Seabirds

These are some of the most sought-after species of seabirds that can be seen offshore SW Galicia. Months in bold show those with records of each species during our trips.

'HIGH SCORE'
Uncommon species, difficult to see in other parts of Europe, 'target' species during our pelagics: 


Wilson's Storm-petrel (Oceanites oceanicus). Summer, regular offshore visitor from S Atlantic, often in small flocks. Most sightings from May to October, specially in July-September.
(October)

Sabine's Gull (Larus sabini). Recorded almost all-year round, but most sights from July to November. Usually in flocks. Full-summer plumaged birds are seen up to September. Breeds in the Arctic, wintering in the S Atlantic.
(October)

Great Shearwater (Puffinus gravis). Seen offshore from July to December, with peaks in August and November. Scarce off W Galician coast, but regularly spotted, even from capes, in the N shore of Galicia. 
(October)

Long-tailed Skua (=Long-tailed Jaeger) (Stercorarius longicaudus). Scarce in W Galicia, but often seen (even in flocks) off N Galicia, mostly August-October. Full-tailed adults are a sought-after highlight during pelagic trips.
(October)

Pomarine Skua (=Pomarine Jaeger) (Stercorarius pomarinus). Uncommon, recorded August-November. Both juveniles (often dark morphs) and full-tailed adults are seen offshore, chasing terns.
(October)


'MEDIUM SCORE'
Fairly common species, easy to see in some parts of Europe, but always a nice sight during our pelagics:


Black Tern (Chlidonias niger). Scarce but regular species in W Galicia, seen from July to October, specially in September.
(-)

Great Skua (Stercorarius skua). Common in low numbers off W Galicia, almost year-round, but peaks August-November.
(February, March, April, October, December) 

Sooty Shearwater (Puffinus griseus). Uncommon in W Galician coast, but can peak in October during W gales.
(June, September, October)

Arctic Skua (=Parasitic Jaeger) (Stercorarius parasiticus). Regularly seen off W Galicia, even from land, and a night roost was discovered in Bueu, with dozens of birds by late-summer.
(May, October)

Common Scoter (Melanitta nigra). Declining migrant and wintering diving duck, often seen in flocks near the shoreline, almost year-round (migration peaks from September to December in W Galicia).
(December, March)

'LOW SCORE'
Common species, easy to see in many parts of Europe, almost guaranteed during our pelagics:

Cory's Shearwater (Calonectris diomedea). Common off W Galicia from April to October, usually spotted alone or in small flocks.
(June, September, October)

Common Tern (Sterna hirundo). Common off W Galicia in April-June and August-November, peaking May and September-October. Often in small flocks.
(May, October)

Balearic Shearwater (Puffinus mauretanicus). Regularly seen off W Galicia, all-year round, but peaks April-June and September-October. Night roosts up to 1500 birds were records by late 90s at A Lanzada bay (O Grove/Sanxenxo).
(May, June, September, October)

Northern Gannet (Morus bassanus). A common sight off W Galicia, all-year round, but peaks February-April (adults) and August-December (all age-classes).
(February, March, Abril, May, June, September, October, December)