Brown Skua with Gentoo Penguin chick, Sea Lion Island

Sea Lion Island, The Falkland Islands (Malvinas) (December 2018)

This image was taken during the Fabulous Falklands trip organised by Natures Images in association with Falkland Islands Holidays and led by Mark Sisson. The Gentoo Penguins sitting on eggs or chicks needed to be constantly on the look out for attack by Brown Skuas and Striated Caracaras. Any lapse in vigilance was ruthlessly exploited as in this case where a Skua has stolen a Gentoo Penguin chick.

Status is classified as Least Concern. Also known as Falkland, Southern, Subantarctic or Antarctic Skua. For more information on this species of bird see the following links:
Brown skua (Stercorarius antarcticus) / Wikipedia
Brown Skua Stercorarius antarcticus / BirdForum
Brown Skua Catharacta antarctica / BirdLife International
Brown Skua Stercorarius antarcticus / Cornell Lab

Shooting Time 15:32
Tv(Shutter Speed) 1/2000
Av(Aperture Value) 9.0
Exposure Compensation -1/3
ISO Speed 640

Latitude 52 25 39.5 S
Longitude 59 03 58.6 W
Altitude 2.70m