Wednesday 18 December 2013

Gulls!

07.30 at The Point this morning was rather disappointing with no real movement at sea. The now usual Auks and Red-throated Divers were tooing and froing, joined by a few Gannets, 30 Common Scoter and c100 Kittiwakes.
The 1w Caspian Gull was showing quite well, but is rather nervous of approach on foot, best viewed from the car.
1w Caspian Gull

 A Great White Egret could be seen on New Diggings. Round The Willow Trail Water Rail, Chiffchaff and Cetti's Warbler. From Hanson in the company of The Joker a Kingfisher and Marsh Harrier were the only notable sightings.
We moved to Burrowes where the wind was stronger and most the wildfowl were hiding behind islands or under some sheltered banks, however we did mange to find an adult Yellow Legged Gull.
The Glossy Ibis was seen by a visitor flying behind Boulderwall farm.
From Caldecott Lane the 37 Bewick Swans could be seen.
Long-tailed Duck
Late afternoon at Scotney, the wind was whipping across the surface and waves were breaking over the Herring Gull colony island. In the relatively sheltered bay from the double bends the Long-tailed Duck was swimming among the Pochard. On the shore an adult Yellow Legged Gull and an adult Caspian Gull that was joined by a second bird. As darkness fell 1,000+ Golden Plover, 1,000+ Lapwings, 2 Egyptian Geese and the feral Barnacle Goose flock came into roost.
Behind the caravan park a murmuration of Starlings put on a superb display, I estimate 10,000+ birds involved.  
ad Caspian Gull

A second ad Caspian Gull

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