Friday, 29 September 2017

From Suzanne Belshaw


      Ring Sightings from Suzanne Belshaw       
Some of these sightings from Suzanne, are from the summer and I had intended to post these on an earlier date.  However, having received more recent reports from Suzanne, I've listed all of them together for interest.  The only hold back this time, was the ringing details for a juvenile Black-headed Gull, which the BTO, emailed to Suzanne on Tuesday.

There is often a delay, when reporting youngsters of the year, as most ringers, do not submit their data to the BTO, until the autumn.  The BTO, then has to contact the ringer or ringing group secretaries, to obtain the relevent info, before contacting the finder.

My thanks to Suzanne, for sharing her sightings and photos.


Black-headed Gull  -  (White)  2APK  -  Lurgan Park Lake, Co. Armagh  (26 Jun 2017)
(Photo Taken by Suzanne Belshaw)
Date Details Location Distance / Direction Duration
14 Jun 2015 Ringed as a Chick (U) by Tom Dougall Moorfoot Hills, Borders, Scotland 0 kms / 0 miles 0y  0m  0d
02 Jan 2017 Spotted by James O'Neill Castlewellan Forest Park, Co. Down, Northern Ireland  248 kms /  154 miles (SW) 1y  6m  19d
26 Jun 2017 Spotted by Suzanne Belshaw Lurgan Park Lake, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland  252 kms /  156 miles (SW) 2y  0m  12d

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Black-headed Gull  -    250B   -  Sprucefield, Co. Antrim  (31 Jul 2017)
(Photo Taken by Suzanne Belshaw)
Date Details Location Distance / Direction Duration
06 Jun 2008 Ringed as a Chick (U) by Eoin McGreal Lough Mask, Co. Mayo, Rep. of Ireland 0 kms / 0 miles 0y  0m  0d
02 Jun 2009 Unknown Observer Lough Mask, Co. Mayo, Rep. of  Ireland 0 kms / 0 miles (-) 0y  11m  27d
29 Jun 2010 Unknown Observer Lough Mask, Co. Mayo, Rep. of  Ireland 0 kms / 0 miles (-) 2y  0m  23d
01 Jul 2013 Spotted by Adam McClure  Sprucefield, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland  236 kms /  147 miles (NE) 5y  0m  25d
04 Jul 2013 Spotted by Adam McClure  Sprucefield, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland  236 kms /  147 miles (NE) 5y  0m  28d
03 Aug 2013 Spotted by Suzanne Belshaw  Sprucefield, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland  236 kms /  147 miles (NE) 5y  1m  28d
07 Aug 2014 Spotted by Suzanne Belshaw  Sprucefield, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland  236 kms /  147 miles (NE) 6y  2m  21d
09 Jul 2015 Spotted by Suzanne Belshaw  Sprucefield, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland  236 kms /  147 miles (NE) 7y  1m  3d
17 Feb 2016 Spotted by Suzanne Belshaw  Sprucefield, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland  236 kms /  147 miles (NE) 7y  8m  11d
24 Feb 2016 Spotted by Suzanne Belshaw  Sprucefield, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland  236 kms /  147 miles (NE) 7y  8m  18d
29 Feb 2016 Spotted by Suzanne Belshaw  Sprucefield, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland  236 kms /  147 miles (NE) 7y  8m  23d
04 Mar 2016 Spotted by Suzanne Belshaw  Sprucefield, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland  236 kms /  147 miles (NE) 7y  8m  27d
06 Jul 2016 Spotted by Suzanne Belshaw  Sprucefield, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland  236 kms /  147 miles (NE) 8y  1m  0d
18 Jun 2017 Spotted by Ian O'Connor  Cong, Lough Mask, Co. Mayo, Rep. of Ireland  0 kms /  0 miles (-) 9y  0m  12d
31 Jul 2017 Spotted by Suzanne Belshaw  Sprucefield, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland  236 kms /  147 miles (NE) 9y  1m  25d
07 Aug 2017 Spotted by Suzanne Belshaw  Sprucefield, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland  236 kms /  147 miles (NE) 9y  2m  1d

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Black-headed Gull  -    EW32806   -  Kinnego Marina, Co. Armagh  (29 Nov 2015)
(Photo Taken by Gareth Platt)
Date Details Location Distance / Direction Duration
09 Jun 2011 Ringed as a Chick (U) by North Ronaldsay B.O. N. Ronaldsay, Orkney Islands, Scotland 0 kms / 0 miles 0y  0m  0d
29 Nov 2015 Spotted by Gareth Platt Kinnego Marina, Co. Armagh, Northern Ireland 591 kms / 367 miles (SSW) 4y  5m  20d
25 Oct 2016 Spotted by Gareth Platt Kinnego Marina, Co. Armagh, Northern Ireland 591 kms / 367 miles (SSW) 5y  4m  16d
12 Jan 2017 Spotted by Suzanne Belshaw Lurgan Park Lake, Co. Armagh, Northern Ireland 593 kms / 368 miles (SSW) 5y  7m  3d
08 Sep 2017 Spotted by Suzanne Belshaw Kinnego Marina, Co. Armagh, Northern Ireland 591 kms / 367 miles (SSW) 6y  2m  30d

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Black-headed Gull  (Juvenile)  -    EZ02451   -  Lurgan Park, Co. Armagh  (08 Sep 2017)
(Photo Taken by Suzanne Belshaw)
Date Details Location Distance / Direction Duration
20 Jun 2017 Ringed as a Chick (U) by The Clyde RG  Elvanfoot, South Lanarkshire, Scotland 0 kms / 0 miles 0y  0m  0d
07 Sep 2017 Spotted by Suzanne Belshaw Lurgan Park Lake, Co. Armagh, Northern Ireland 202 kms / 125 miles (WSW) 0y  2m  18d
18 Sep 2017 Spotted by Suzanne Belshaw Lurgan Park Lake, Co. Armagh, Northern Ireland 202 kms / 125 miles (WSW) 0y  2m  29d

Interestingly, this is the second juvenile from Elvanfoot in Scotland, which has been reported in Northern Ireland, this autumn.    2BP2 , was spotted by Cameron Moore, at Whitehead, Co. Antrim, on the 28th August.  Both youngsters, were ringed on the same date in June, presumably at the same colony.  The juvenile spotted by Suzanne, did not have a 'colour-ring', probably being too young for a 'colour-ring', to be fitted.  Iain Livingstone, secretary of the Clyde Ringing Group, emailed the details for   2BP2 , on Wednesday (Thanks Iain).

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Wednesday, 27 September 2017

Good Attendance...


      Black-headed Gulls At Antrim Marina - Monday 25th September 2017       
Again, due to other commitments, I was not able to visit Antrim Marina, yesterday morning (Sunday 24th).  Arriving at around 9.20am this morning, I carried out the eigth of my weekly 'winter visits', recording 'colour-ringed' Black-headed Gulls.

Undertaking, at least one visit per week, from the first Sunday in August until the last Sunday in March, this is my fifth winter, recording the gulls as part of my contribution towards Adam McClure's, Northern Ireland Study on this species.  For some reason, Adam, has not been responding to emails, even at the request of the British Trust for Ornithology, to do so.

Even, Adam's own blog, has seen no updates in six months now, which leaves us wondering about the status of his Study.  As can be seen from my own blog, I've spent a lot of time and money, contributing towards the study, even re-training to ring birds, with the view of catching and ringing BHGs during my visits to the Marina.

Over the last four winters, we know gulls from several Nationalities, spend the winter here, hence the idea of more BHGs being ringed at the site.  Although the ringing side, will now be put on hold, I'm not going to give up my weekly visits.  Adam, might have abondoned his study, but I've recorded too much info, just to give it all up.  Having, not missed a weekly 'winter visit' during the past four years, I'll carry on regardless.

My visit today, seemed more like the winter visits, that I've been used to.  Just like last Monday, the number of Black-headed Gulls present, was very good, with around a 100+ birds present at all times.  Unlike, previous weeks, colour-ringed gulls tended to remain on site today, but I reckon the turnover of gulls coming and going, would have been between 150 and 200 birds altogether.

Today, saw the addition of    2ABA , to the winter list, therefore increasing the total to 19, 'colour-ringed' BHGs, recorded so far.  I knew   2ABA , was in the area, as this non-resident, was spotted on the 16th July 2017.  I know from past observations,   2ABA  departs in late February or early March and has not been recorded at the Marina, during the months of April, May or June.  Also, going by past observations, mid-July appears to be the time when   2ABA , returns.  As far as I'm aware, the breeding location for   2ABA , is still unknown.

Last Monday, I spotted   2AAP , for the first time this winter, but it flew off before I could obtain a photo.  No problems today, as I managed to get a photo.  Aah, just remembered, I never mentioned the weather.  It was a nippy start to the morning and fog persisted throughout my visit, which ended just after 1pm.  Driving away from the Marina, the fog was left behind, revealing a bright sunny day elsewhere.

There is still no sign of   2AAD  or   2AAH .  These two, should have been present from the start of my weekly 'winter visit's'.  I'm not going to 'write' these two off just yet, but it does appear that we've lost another two gulls. 

Black-headed Gull  -    2ABA   -  Antrim Marina, Co. Antrim  (25 Sep 2017)
(Ringed as an Adult Male, on the 28th December 2012, at Antrim Marina)

Black-headed Gull  -    2AAP   -  Antrim Marina, Co. Antrim  (25 Sep 2017)
(Ringed as an Adult Male, on the 21st December 2012, at Antrim Marina)


Black-headed Gulls re-sighted on Monday 25th September 2017
 2CJT   2AAT   2ABK   T35J   2ACV   2AAN   2ABN   2ABL   2AAK 
 2AAC   2ABS   2ABF   2AAF   2BRA   2AAB   2ABA   2AAP    


This Week's Absentees
 2AAA   2ADJ 


Other Birds at Antrim Marina
I have to start this section, with the Common Gulls.  As stated in my previous post for Antrim Marina, I made mention of a Scottish 'metal-ringed' Common Gull, which should now be back in the Antrim area.

Just before 9.30, this morning, a party of 5 Common Gulls - 4 adults and a juvenile arrived, settling at the end of the long wooden jetty.  Looking at these through my binoculars, one gull with a 'metal-ring', was perched on top of the 'speed sign-post', which reads 3 knots.  Seeing, that it was a small female, I knew this had to be   EY64036 .  No sooner, had they landed, they were off again, flying out towards the Lough.

No worries though, as all five, came and went throughout the morning.  A few photos later, I had captured the number on the 'metal-ring', confirming my gull was indeed   EY64036 .  This is now the fifth winter, that this gull has come to the Marina, to see out the winter.  I first recorded it here, as a juvenile, during the winter of 2013/14.

The table below, gives the first and last dates, in which   EY64036 , has been spotted, each winter at the Marina.

Common Gull  -    EY64036   -  Antrim Marina, Co. Antrim  (25 Sep 2017)
(Photo Taken at First Sighting During my Visit to the Marina)

The Table below, shows first and last sightings each winter, for   EY64036 
Date Details Location Distance / Direction Duration
20 Jun 2013 Ringed as a Chick (U) by The Clyde Ringing Group Hunterston, Ayrshire, Scotland 0 kms / 0 miles 0y  0m  0d
09 Feb 2014 Spotted by Gareth Platt Antrim Marina, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland 142 kms / 89 miles (SW) 0y  7m  20d
21 Sep 2014 Spotted by Gareth Platt Antrim Marina, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland 142 kms / 89 miles (SW) 1y  3m  1d
15 Mar 2015 Spotted by Gareth Platt Antrim Marina, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland 142 kms / 89 miles (SW) 1y  8m  23d
22 Nov 2015 Spotted by Gareth Platt Antrim Marina, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland 142 kms / 89 miles (SW) 2y  5m  2d
06 Mar 2016 Spotted by Gareth Platt Antrim Marina, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland 142 kms / 89 miles (SW) 2y  8m  15d
04 Sep 2016 Spotted by Gareth Platt Antrim Marina, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland 142 kms / 89 miles (SW) 3y  2m  15d
22 Jan 2017 Spotted by Gareth Platt Antrim Marina, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland 142 kms / 89 miles (SW) 3y  7m  2d
25 Sep 2017 Spotted by Gareth Platt Antrim Marina, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland 142 kms / 89 miles (SW) 4y  3m  5d

The Herring Gull pair, along with their juvenile, were absent today.  A juvenile did appear, later in the morning and judging by it's manner, it was most likely to be the second of the two juveniles and the one I questioned, whether it belonged to the adult pair.  No Lesser Black-backed Gulls, were seen today either.

The family party of Mute Swans, were present throughout.  A further four Mute Swans, swam in from the Lough around 10.30 and included   W34158 .  I managed to check all the swans for rings.  The male, from the family party, seemed to be less aggressive today, allowing two birds onto the slipway, where the 5 cygnets were lying down on the concrete.

There was a big drop in Mallard numbers, with a maximum of around 50 birds.  Again, no rings spotted on any of these.

3 Hooded Crows, 9 Jackdaws, 2 Pied Wagtails and a Grey Wagtail, were noted.  On several occasions, the young Buzzard, could be heard calling from the woodland opposite the Marina.  A juvenile Grey Heron and a juvenile Cormorant, landed on the low wooden jetty, but quickly flew off again, due to people walking by. 

Elim Church, Parkhall and Antrim KFC
On leaving the Marina, before heading home, I called by the Elim Church on the Parkhall Housing Estate and the Antrim Kentucky Fried Chicken outlet.  Neither of the Black-headed Gulls,   2AAV  or the Norwegian   JK35 , were present.

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      Sunday 24th September 2017       
Although, I could not make it to Antrim Marina, this morning, I did manage to find time to take a run out this afternoon.  With an out-going tide, I decided to make quick visits to Carrickfergus, Whiteabbey Beach and Whitehouse Lagoon.

Carrickfergus
Calling by the harbour first, there were lots of Black-headed Gulls about.  The only problem was that I couldn't find anywhere to park the car, where I'd get peace to attract the gulls with bread.  My usual parking area, saw several people working with power skies, so I decided to come back later.

I then called by the Mill ponds at Carrickfergus Leisure Centre.  On my previous visit here, the gulls took no attention to the bread being thrown out to them, but I did spot a young Black-headed Gull, with an 'Orange Darvic'.  No such problems today, as the gulls were 'biting', and around 50 birds flocked around my feet looking for the bread, but this time, no rings were seen.

When I did return to Carrickfergus, just as the light was beginning to fade, I noticed large numbers of gulls on the shoreline.  I drove into the housing estate at Rhanbuoy Park, finding that I could park beside the seawall, quite close to the gulls.  Here, there is a fresh water outlet, which flows into Belfast Lough.  Such outlets, always attracts gull, into which they can bathe.

Throwing, full slices of bread over the wall, I soon had as many as 150 gulls, squabbling over this.  Although, the light was failing quite quickly now, I did spot a juvenile BHG, with an 'Orange Darvic', but it flew off, before I could get a photo.  I could not read the code with my binoculars.  This spot, will be well worth visiting again, and this is the same area, where I spotted a BHG, last winter with a 'Green Darvic'.

It was too dark, to try Carrickfergus harbour again, so I headed home.

Whitabbey Shoreline
Having, moved on from initial visit to Carrickfergus, I spent a long time at the Whiteabbey beach-front.  I have been hoping to re-sight a Portuguese-rung Lesser black-backed Gull, which I've recorded here between August and October, during the previous two winters.

There was no sign of my target, but I did spot three 'metals' and a 'colour-ring'.  It's nigh on impossible, to read 'metals' here, with a Common Gull, a Sandwich Tern and a Black-headed Gull, each 'metal-rung'.  The Black-headed Gull, was a foreign bird, as it had a taller ring, than those of British rings.

The 'colour-ring', was an 'Orange Darvic', on a juvenile Black-headed Gull, reading -   2CPN .  This one is from Adam's (NI) Study, but I doubt if I'll receive a reply to my email.

Black-headed Gull  (Juvenile)  -    2CPN   -  Whiteabbey Shoreline, Co. Antrim  (24 Sep 2017)
(Waiting on Ringing Details from Adam McClure)

Whitehouse Lagoon
By the time I got to Whitehouse Lagoon, the tide was well out and the total number of gulls and waders present, was disappointing.  The only ring spotted, was on a Black-headed Gull -   2BNA .  This is my third sighting of   2BNA , having previously recorded it at Whitehouse Lagoon, on the 19th October 2016 and 24th September 2017.  

Black-headed Gull  -    2BNA   -  Whitehouse Lagoon, Co. Antrim  (24 Sep 2017)
(Ringed as a Chick, on the 1st July 2013, at Blue Circle Island, Larne Lough, Co. Antrim)

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I've been holding back, to post an article, for gulls spotted by Suzanne Belshaw.  I was waiting for the ringing details of a 'metal-rung' juvenile Black-headed Gull, which Suzanne spotted on the 7th September, at Lurgan Park.  When, I arrived home from work last night (Tuesday), Suzanne had sent an email, having received the details from the BTO.  Also mentioned, were re-sightings of Adam's Study birds at Sprucefield and Kinnego Marina.  I'll try and get this posted tomorrow, but it could be Thursday before I get this done.

As well as Suzanne's sightings, I have now received replies, for another three Sandwich Terns, spotted by Cameron Moore, at Whitehead.  Cameron, has had great success, reading Sandwich Tern 'Darvic's' at Whitehead recently.  A post on these, will be published later in the week.

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Saturday, 23 September 2017

From Cameron Moore


      Colour-ring Sightings from Cameron Moore       
This post, has taken a fair bit of time to prepare.  Waiting on ringing details from those concerned, labeling Cameron's photos, working out distances and durations, etc., is by no means, an easy task.  Except for   KBC , the full re-sighting histories, are listed for each bird.

The task though, is worth the effort, should these sightings go un-reported.  This latest batch of sightings from Cameron, includes a juvenile Mediterranean Gull from Germany, which surely has to be the 'cream of the crop'.  My thanks to Cameron, for taking the time to inform me of his sightings, along with photos.  As I complete this post, another batch of sightings, plus photos, have been emailed to me by Cameron - 'here we go again'.  Cheers Cameron, seriously, keep them coming.

A juvenile Common Gull, has also been spotted by Cameron.  This is one I 'colour-ringed' this summer and has been included in separate posts (read &read ).

Mediterranean Gull  (Juvenile)  -  Germany    AY.CT   -  Whitehead, Co. Antrim  (07 Sep 2017)
(Photo Taken by Cameron Moore)
Date Details Location Distance / Direction Duration
19 Jun 2017 Ringed as a Chick (U) by Leipzig Ringing Team Löbnitz Gravel Pits, Leipzig, Germany 0 kms / 0 miles 0y  0m  0d
02 Sep 2017 Spotted by Cameron Moore Whitehead, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland 1,261 kms / 783 miles (WNW) 0y  2m  14d
07 Sep 2017 Spotted by Cameron Moore Whitehead, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland 1,261 kms / 783 miles (WNW) 0y  2m  19d

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Sandwich Tern  -    KBC   -  Whitehead, Co. Antrim  (03 Sep 2017)
(Photo Taken by Cameron Moore)
Date Details Location Distance / Direction Duration
?? ??? ???? Waiting on Ringing Details ????????????????? 0 kms / 0 miles 0y  0m  0d
03 Sep 2017 Spotted by Cameron Moore Whitehead, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland  kms /  miles (-) ?y  ?m  ?d

This Tern belongs to Jez Blackburn, who works with the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO).  As I have yet to receive a reply, I can only assume that Jez is on holiday.  Under normal circumstances, Jez usually replies promptly to emails.

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Sandwich Tern  -    ETT   -  Whitehead, Co. Antrim  (04 Sep 2017)
(Photo Taken by Cameron Moore)
Date Details Location Distance / Direction Duration
11 Jul 2003 Ringed as a Chick (U) by N.H. Soc. of Northumberland Coquet Island, Northumberland, England 0 kms / 0 miles 0y  0m  0d
09 Jul 2015 Controlled by Grampian Ringing Group Ythan Estuary, Aberdeenshire, Scotland 222 kms / 138 miles (NNW) 11y  11m  28d
17 Jul 2015 Spotted by Moray Souter Ythan Estuary, Aberdeenshire, Scotland 222 kms / 138 miles (NNW) 12y  0m  6d
26 Apr 2016 Spotted by Richard Somercocks Findhorn Bay, Morayshire, Scotland 288 kms / 179 miles (NW) 12y  9m  15d
29 Jun 2016 Spotted by Grampian Ringing Group Forvie NNR, Aberdeenshire, Scotland 222 kms / 138 miles (NNW) 12y  11m  18d
02 Jul 2016 Spotted by Ewan Weston Ythan Estuary, Aberdeenshire, Scotland 222 kms / 138 miles (NNW) 12y  11m  21d
20 Jul 2016 Spotted by Moray Souter Ythan Estuary, Aberdeenshire, Scotland 222 kms / 138 miles (NNW) 13y  0m  9d
04 Sep 2017 Spotted by Cameron Moore Whitehead, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland 273 kms / 169 miles (WSW) 14y  1m  24d

  ETT , probably went un-recorded since being ringed as a chick, until controlled (caught) by the Grampian Ringing Group.  Fitted with a 'colour-ring', the re-sighting history since then, proves how useful these rings are.  The June 2016 sighting at Forvie National Nature Reserve, is likely to be the chosen breeding site of   ETT .

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Sandwich Tern  -    EVN   -  Whitehead, Co. Antrim  (04 Sep 2017)
(Photo Taken by Cameron Moore)
Date Details Location Distance / Direction Duration
15 Aug 2015 Ringed as an Adult (U) by the Grampian Ringing Group Ythan Estuary, Aberdeenshire, Scotland 0 kms / 0 miles 0y  0m  0d
04 Sep 2017 Spotted by Cameron Moore Whitehead, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland 366 kms / 227 miles (SW) 2y  0m  20d

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Sandwich Tern  -        -  Whitehead, Co. Antrim  (04 Sep 2017)
(Photo Taken by Cameron Moore)
Date Details Location Distance / Direction Duration
(30 Jun) 2008 Ringed as a Chick (U) by Alistair Smith Ythan Estuary, Aberdeenshire, Scotland 0 kms / 0 miles 0y  0m  0d
04 Sep 2017 Spotted by Cameron Moore Whitehead, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland 367 kms / 228 miles (SW) 9y  2m  5d

      (Lime over Red), was the colour combination used on each of 300 Sandwich Tern chicks ringed in 2008, by Alistair Smith.  All that we 'Ring Readers', can gain from the sighting, is the year of ringing and place of origin.  The only way, Terns, such as these, can be identified as individuals, would be to read their 'metal-ring', which under normal circumstances, would be impossible.

I have used the last day in June 2008, as a ringing date, from which I can work out the duration, since ringing.  I've reported the 'colour-ring' combination online to the BTO, hoping that they can furnish me with the actual ringing date.  At present, I'm still waiting on a reply.

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Sandwich Tern  -    KDJ   -  Whitehead, Co. Antrim  (05 Sep 2017)
(Photo Taken by Cameron Moore)
Date Details Location Distance / Direction Duration
15 Sep 2015 Ringed as a Juvenile (U) by Tony Cross Ynyslas National Nature Reserve, Dyfed, Wales 0 kms / 0 miles 0y  0m  0d
05 Sep 2017 Spotted by Cameron Moore Whitehead, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland 168 kms / 104 miles (NNE) 2y  0m  6d

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Sandwich Tern  -  (White)  EBN  -  Whitehead, Co. Antrim  (02 Sep 2017)
(Photo Taken by Cameron Moore)
Date Details Location Distance / Direction Duration
16 Aug 2010 Ringed as an Adult (U) by The Grampian Ringing Group Ythan Estuary, Aberdeenshire, Scotland 0 kms / 0 miles 0y  0m  0d
28 Apr 2012 Spotted by R. Duncan & M. Souter Girdleness, Aberdeenshire, Scotland 20 kms / 12 miles (SSW) 1y  8m  12d
20 Jul 2015 Spotted by Cameron Moore Whitehead, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland 367 kms / 228 miles (SW) 4y  11m  4d
24 Aug 2016 Spotted by P. Knight & R. Maciewicz Ainsdale Beach, Merseyside, England 418 kms / 259 miles (SSW) 6y  0m  8d
27 Aug 2016 Spotted by P. Knight & R. Maciewicz Ainsdale Beach, Merseyside, England 418 kms / 259 miles (SSW) 6y  0m  11d
07 Sep 2016 Spotted by P. Knight & R. Maciewicz Ainsdale Beach, Merseyside, England 418 kms / 259 miles (SSW) 6y  0m  22d
21 Aug 2017 Spotted by Gareth Platt Donaghdaee, Co. Down, Northern Ireland 370 kms / 229 miles (SW) 7y 0m  5d
28 Aug 2017 Spotted by Kevin Kirkham-Brown Kinnegar Beach, Co. Down, Northern Ireland 383 kms / 237 miles (SW) 7y  0m  12d
02 Sep 2017 Spotted by Cameron Moore Whitehead, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland 367 kms / 228 miles (SW) 7y  0m  17d

My sighting of (White) EBN, at Donaghadee in August 2017, was quickly followed, by further sightings from Kevin Kirkham-Brown and Cameron.  The Dutch juvenile   21.C  (see below), was in the same group as (White) EBN, on the 21st August and then spotted by Cameron, at Whitehead, on the 5th September.  These sightings, clearly suggest, that these Terns are feeding along the eastern coastline of Northern Ireland.

(White) EBN, is no stranger to Northern Ireland, having been sighted at Whitehead, by Cameron, in 2015.

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Sandwich Tern  -  (White)  KSL  -  Whitehead, Co. Antrim  (06 Sep 2017)
(Photo Taken by Cameron Moore)
Date Details Location Distance / Direction Duration
23 Jun 2015 Ringed as a Chick (U) by Tony Murray Lady's Island Lake, Co. Wexford, Rep. of Ireland 0 kms / 0 miles 0y  0m  0d
08 Jul 2016 Spotted by Mark Boorman Mile 4 Salt Works, nr Swakopmund, Namibia 8,572 kms / 5,326 miles (SSE) 1y  0m  15d
06 Sep 2017 Spotted by Cameron Moore Whitehead, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland 287 kms / 178 miles (NNE) 2y  2m  14d

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Sandwich Tern  -  Holland    21.C   -  Whitehead, Co. Antrim  (05 Sep 2017)
(Photo Taken by Cameron Moore)
Date Details Location Distance / Direction Duration
19 Jun 2017 Ringed as a Chick (U) by Ruben Fijn Scheelhoek, Haringvliet Inlet, SW Holland 0 kms / 0 miles 0y  0m  0d
21 Aug 2017 Spotted by Gareth Platt Donaghadee, Co. Down, Northern Ireland 713 kms / 443 miles (WNW) 0y  2m  2d
05 Sep 2017 Spotted by Cameron Moore Whitehead, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland 726 kms / 451 miles (WNW) 0y  2m  17d

Re-sighted by Cameron Moore,   21.C , was one of a pair (  28.C ) of Dutch juvenile Sandwich Terns, that I spotted at Donaghadee, on the 21st August 2017.  They were among a small party of Sandwich and Common Terns, which also included (White) EBN, as mentioned above.

Read about these two youngsters in my blog posts (here & here).  These sightings, show, that all these Terns are feeding up on the Northern Ireland coastline, before they move on towards their wintering sites in Africa.

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Sandwich Tern (Juvenile)  -    KBS   -  Whitehead, Co. Antrim  (04 Sep 2017)
(Photo Taken by Cameron Moore)
Date Details Location Distance / Direction Duration
21 Jun 2017 Ringed as a Chick (U) by Tony Murray Lady's Island Lake, Co. Wexford, Rep. of Ireland 0 kms / 0 miles 0y  0m  0d
04 Sep 2017 Spotted by Cameron Moore Whitehead, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland  287 kms /  178 miles (NNE) 0y  2m  14d

  KBS , is the second juvenile, spotted at Whitehead, by Cameron, having been ringed as a chick this summer, at Lady's Island Lake, in Co. Wexford.    KBT , was the other juvenile, reported in my previous post on Cameron's sightings (read).  In that particular post, I was waiting on the ringing details, for two juvenile Black-headed Gulls.  As of this post, the details, have not arrived.

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I'm keen to get this post out, my third today.  I do need to check over the details, but I'm pretty sure - all is correct.  My planned weekly visit to Antrim Marina tomorrow (Sunday 24th), will now be carried out on Monday morning instead.

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