A country diary entry from 1951 describes a vivid encounter with skuas on the island of Noss in the Shetland Islands. The author, venturing onto the island's cliffs, experienced the aggressive dive-bombing tactics of the great skua, a bird known for its fierce defence of its nesting territory.
Aggressive Defence of Nests
The skuas, according to the diary, would swoop down at the author's head, pulling up at the last moment. The author noted that the birds were particularly bold near their nests, which were scattered among the heather. The diary entry captures the intensity of the experience, with the birds' wings brushing past the author's hair.
According to the diary, the skuas' behaviour was a common sight on Noss at the time. The island, a nature reserve, was home to a large colony of great skuas, also known as bonxies. The author described the birds as having a "fierce and piratical" appearance, with brown plumage and white wing patches.
Impact on Visitors
The dive-bombing was not just a spectacle but a genuine hazard. The diary notes that other visitors to the island had been struck by the birds, leading to injuries. The author, however, managed to avoid being hit by staying low and moving quickly through the nesting areas.
The diary entry serves as a historical record of the skuas' behaviour on Noss, which continues to this day. The great skua population on the island has fluctuated over the decades, but the birds remain a notable feature of the Shetland landscape.
