nest check
Nest #7 - 2025
Skua Pair
Oh, what’s this? A skua nest near the penguin colony? Well, we will have to follow this nest too and see how this pair does during the breeding season! The male is the darker orange-brown bird, while the female is a lighter cream color. They have dug a shallow scrape in the rocks for their nest, and both parents take turns sitting on their green speckled eggs.
These birds are south polar skuas: large, scavenging, predatory seabirds related to gulls. They eat many different foods, including fish, leftovers from whales and seals in the ocean, and even penguin eggs and chicks. On Ross Island, skuas are the only predators that Adélie Penguin chicks face while growing up in the colony.
Skuas hunt to survive, and because they have their own chicks to feed. Even though this can be hard to watch, both skuas and penguins play important roles in the Antarctic food web, helping keep the ecosystem balanced and healthy.
These birds need names!
Jan 2, 2026
The chick remains near the female, who keeps a watchful eye on it. Other skuas are the main risk for this chick, who must be careful not to wander too far.
Jan 3, 2026
The chick explores the area around its nest. The male keeps an eye on the chick while the female finds food in the penguin colony or at sea.
Jan 4, 2026
The chick is growing quickly! The male is still guarding the chick against other skuas.
Dec 28, 2025
The female is warming their chick.
Dec 29, 2025
The female continues to keep their chick safe and warm. It is chilly today.
Dec 30, 2025
The chick has emerged from under its parent, despite it being a bit breezy. It has hunkered down next to a rock instead.
Dec 31, 2025
The chick has grown! It has moved closer to the female for security.
Jan 1, 2026
Happy New Year! The chick cannot be seen but is likely behind the female.
Dec 23, 2025
The skua pair’s chick has hatched under the male’s watchful eye!
Dec 24, 2025
No photo today due to a windstorm.
Dec 25 2025
The skua chick is still very small. The male keeps it warm under his wing.
Dec 26, 2025
The male continues to warm the chick. Skua chicks can leave the nest to roam within 24 hours, but this one is sticking close to its parent.
Dec 27, 2025
The female is here to feed the chick. The remnants of their dinner can be seen on the rocks near the nest territory…