Bonxie is a Northern Isles (Shetland/ Orkney) name for Great Skua Stercorarius
skua only. I seem to remember someone telling me that Bonxie is onomatopoeic- a
reference to the sound they make as they peck the back of your skull? It seems
to have gotten trendy among UK birders in the 80s. Outside birding circles
going around the Hebrides calling it Bonxie will just get you blank looks. But
hey, its been nearly a decade since I lived there so maybe things have changed?
For anyone planning boring bucket-lists, getting attacked by Great Skua/Bonxie
at a nesting site is a quintessential Scottish birding experience- heartily
recommended if you are into adrenalin sports. Don't forget a hard hat and first
aid kit!
Mark Carter (packing his bag to set off in search of some WA SKUAS, hehe!)
www.desertlife.com.au
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