Arctic Skuas Chilling At Jökulsárlón
Camera
Leica M11 Monochrom
Lens
Leica APO-Telyt-M 135mm f/3.4
Exposure
1/750s @ f/11
Filters
Breakthrough Photography X4 CPL
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10”x10”
16”x16”
20”x20” (max. size @300dpi)
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Hahnemühle Photo Rag Baryta (Gloss)
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Arctic Skuas
Arctic Skuas (also known as Parasitic Jaegers) are common, aggressive seabirds that breed and hunt around Iceland's Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, fiercely pirating fish from other birds like Arctic Terns and feeding on small birds and fish, using the lagoon's rich fish supply for sustenance, especially in summer when they nest on the nearby sandy shores.
What They Are:
"Pirates of the Seas": Skuas are notorious for harassing other seabirds until they drop their catch, which the skua then snatches.
Appearance: They are dark, gull-like birds with distinctive white wing flashes and powerful builds for aerial combat.
Diet: Besides pirating, they prey on smaller birds (like puffins) and fish, thriving in rich feeding grounds like Jökulsárlón where fish (herring, capelin) are plentiful.
At Jökulsárlón:
Breeding: During the summer, Skuas nest on the sandy areas (Breiðamerkursandur) near the lagoon, fiercely defending their nests from intruders.
Hunting: They are often seen harassing Arctic Terns, which also nest nearby, to steal their fish.
Habitat: The lagoon provides abundant food, attracting Skuas along with seals and terns, making it a prime location for birdwatching in summer.
If you visit Jökulsárlón in summer, expect to see these bold, agile hunters dominating the skies, especially near the nesting areas of other birds, making them a highlight of the region's vibrant birdlife.