bonxie

Wouldn't it be ironic if the pleas of Scotland's fishermen at last got a hearing in Brussels not because the Commission are worried about fishermen's children being deprived, but because it can't bear the thought of starving bonxies gobbling up hapless puffins and guillemots.

Although identified as Great Skuas (Bonxies), both these birds did not look quite right and provoked a lot of debate as to their identity.

Known locally as "bonxies", they have little fear and kill other seabirds for their food.

Great skuas,also often referred to as Bonxies, their oldNorse namest ill used on Shetland where they breed,can tackle birds as big as gannets and have no fear attacking people that make the mistake of venturing to close to a nest.

Throughout this month observers have braved the worsening conditions to face into the wind and rain, and search for birds passing over the sea off Porthcawl and, although there aren't many, there are quality finds such as 'bonxies' - birders' favourite name for the great skua - and arctic skuas.

But arching in behind them, with menace, was the unmistakable silhouette of a bonxie.