Arctic Skua: These sharp, sleek fast birds are simply amazing to watch as they dart quickly over the top of the water like slim winged spitfires in an arial dog fight.
Seaton Snook covers the north side of Tees Estuary forming part of the Teesmouth National Nature Reserve. This is a vast area of salt marsh and sandy beaches with a line of sand dunes separating the two areas. North Gare pier extends a short distance into the Estuary.
At this time of year these aggressive oppitunistic birds take up residence here, at least for a short while as the tent numbers are at their largest. Here they harass and chase the terns who have successfully caught fish ignorer to try and steal they quarry.
They are even known to actively hunt and take the tern themselves.
