I was just finishing a cup of tea at home, when Paul Bowley, who was at Selsey Bill, reported a flock of four Pomarine Skuas going east, at moderate range, via the WhatsApp group. Knowing that a good number of such Poms are too distant to see from the local patch, I hesitated for a minute or two, pondering my chances. It usually takes about 20 minutes for such birds to appear at Elmer Rocks, if they are going to, so it was up and away, onto my push bike, and I was in position with a good five minutes to spare. A few birds were moving offshore, but no sign on any Poms at the 'designated' time. A few minutes passed and I was thinking it was too late - but then at 0637hrs they appeared, a flock of 4 Poms in a line, close together and at a range allowing good views. Magic. Presumably the very strong headwind had slowed them somewhat. I immediately put the news out and the birds were subsequently reported off Worthing at fairly close range. A very productive half-hour's local birding.

ther stuff seen was:-
Arctic Skua – 1 l/p chasing terns then flew off east
Bar-Wit – 10E
Whimbrel – 5E
Fulmar – 1 o/s flew off west
Sand Tern – 4E
Gannet – 2E
Gt B-b Gull – 4E
 
In just over half-hour, cheers OM