Friday 2 February 2018

Unexpected return of the 3rd winter Iceland Gull

The white-winged gulls are playing hard to get.  Where on earth has this thing been during the best winter coverage we had for years since it was last seen (eg other "unobtrusives" like the Shag multiply- observed daily).  No obvious rubbish tip or similar to visit nearby

Iceland Gull - 3rd winter again on the waterfall on the incoming tide, then disappeared despite careful check of visible rooftops.  Update:  that's better: consistency!  Returned on the drop tide and was seen below the waterfall at 1630hrs 

Thanks Malcolm

Chough - eg surrounded by people on second field north of half moon bay café early pm
Pale-bellied Brent Goose - two Red Nab on incoming tide, then OE saltmarsh
Stonechat - female OE saltmarsh NE corner.  Whoops - supplying false info to snappers:  the Half Moon bay female was also present and photographed today.  Apologies for the alternative facts and thanks to Pete for letting me know
Shag - juv harbour mouth then wooden jetty
Cormorant - 136 roosting wooden jetty (possibly another one or two not visible on south side of 'lighthouse')
Pink-footed Goose - very high migrant flock of 475 south over Midd NR
Coot - one no swimming pond (also yesterday) (first of year)
Gadwall - 17 ns pond
Pochard - one male ns pond
Snipe - 10 western marsh
Little Egret - one model boat pond

[Peacock butterfly flying about on nearby Heysham Moss this pm]