Med Resighted...

Antrim Marina - Sunday 26th November 2017

Today's visit to Antrim Marina, marked the half way point, of this, my 5th winter recording the gulls here.  The weather was quite mild, though a little chilly.  With around 100 Black-headed Gulls present on my arrival, numbers quickly reached the 150 mark.  21 'colour-ringed' BHGs, were recorded within the first 45 minutes of my visit.  With the three additions, that were ringed last Sunday, I was on the lookout for 27 gulls altogether.

 2AFD  at 10.43,  2ADV  at 12.14 and  2AAV  at 12.31, took the overall total to 24, with three gulls not appearing.  My most noticeable sighting was that of  2ANS , which I haven't seen since the 25th June.    2ANS , did have the cheek, to appear on the one weekend, that I couldn't make it to the Marina.  Suzanne Belshaw, spotted it, while covering in my absence.

I spotted a gull behind my car, which appeared to be  2BRD .  It flew off as I got out of the car with my camera.  Despite a pro-longed search, I could not locate it again.  As I was not a hundred per-cent sure, I did not include it on the total.  If it is back, perhaps I'll spot it next week.   2BRD , is one of the three gull's, which I am waiting on, to make a return.

 2AAF , is causing me some concern.  One of those birds, that's always under your feet, it was absent for the third week in a row.  When I last saw it, the gull had an injured leg and was not looking too good.

Another gull, that was not looking too good today, was a juvenile.  Injured, on both shoulders and a large gash in its crop, it had obviously managed to escape the clutches of a hawk or buzzard.  It was able to gulp down bread, which I threw in it's direction, but I don't think it will survive.  On the plus side, it is still capable of flying (Photo below).

Another two Black-headed Gulls were caught and ringed today.  The first was a juvenile and the second, was a second winter bird.  A total of 5 BHGs, have now been ringed over the last two weeks.  Next week, I'll be on the lookout for 29 'colour-ringed' gulls, with three others still to return this winter.  A further two gulls,  2AAD  and  2AAH , have more than likely perished.

Black-headed Gull  -   2ANS   -  Antrim Marina, Co. Antrim  (26 Nov 2017)

(Ringed as a 1st Winter bird, on the 12th November 2015, at Antrim Marina)

Black-headed Gull  -   2CSC   -  Antrim Marina, Co. Antrim  (26 Nov 2017)

(Ringed at Antrim Marina, on the 19th November 2017)

Black-headed Gull  -   2AFD   -  Antrim Marina, Co. Antrim  (26 Nov 2017)

(Ringed as an Adult Male, on the 12th February 2014, at Antrim Marina)

(Juvenile/1st Winter) Black-headed Gull  -  Antrim Marina, Co. Antrim  (26 Nov 2017)

(Suffering from the likely attack of a Hawk or Buzzard) 

Colour Ringed Black-headed Gulls Recorded at Antrim Marina on Sunday 26th November 2017

2ABN	2ABS	2AAC	2ABK	2CSC	2AAP	2ADJ	2CJT
2CSA	2CSB	2ACV	2AAT	2BRA	2AAN	2AAB	T35J
2AAK	2ANS	2ABF	2AAR	2AAA	2AFD	2ADV	2AAV

Colour Ringed Black-headed Gulls Recorded This Autumn/Winter but Absent Today

2ABA	2AAF	2ABL

Other Species at Antrim Marina

There was an increase in the number of Common Gulls this week, with a maximum of 5 birds.  Once again, there is still no sign of the small Scottish-rung female.

A Herring Gull present on my arrival, sort of looked like a Ring-billed Gull.  I had to email photos, for a second opinion, just in case, and it was a bit of wishful thinking on my part.  The first reply, said he was 100% sure it was a Ring-billed, but shortly afterwards, retracted from his opinion.  He sent the photo to a 3rd party, who identified it as a Herring Gull.  A Herring Gull, was the opinion, from the second emailer.

The near adult, which has reappeared of late, arrived at 10am this morning and a pale looking juvenile arrived at 10.50.  The near adult remained throughout my visit, but the juvenile moved on about 20 minutes after arriving.

Four adult Mute Swans, plus 2 cygnets, were on the slipway when I arrived.  They remained throughout my visit and no other swans appeared.  One of the swans was a constant pain in the neck.  When trying to catch Black-headed Gulls for ringing, it kept coming to the car window, which hampered catching attempts.  No rings on any of these swans.

Mallard numbers, are still very low, with a maximum of around 40 ducks.  With most birds checked, there were no rings on any of them.

3 Hooded Crows, 8 Jackdaws, 2 Magpies and a pair of Pied Wagtails, were the only other species noted today.

Antrim's Elim Church, KFC and Baptist Church

On leaving the Marina at 1pm, I did my usual rounds at the other sites in Antrim.  Small numbers of gulls were present at all three, but none of the ringed birds, which have been spotted this winter, were present.

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Ringing Details Received

With Adam, now back online, I have now received all of the PDF files for all of his Black-headed Gulls, which have been spotted.  These included two gulls, spotted at Castle Espie, back in June.  I did receive the ringing details for one of these birds through the BTO, but such recovery details don't tell the full story.

As it turns out, both of the gulls, were ringed as chicks at Castle Espie, one in 2014 and the other in 2015.  What was really interesting, was the fact that these were first ever sightings, of two birds, that had returned to breed.  Adam was well pleased to receive these records.

It's also amazing, that neither of the gulls were reported until I went to this wetland centre.  Lots of birdwatchers visit the site, and it's baffling why none of them saw or reported the gulls.  One reason for this, is that most of the birds are ringed by the centre's staff and know one deems it necessary to report ring sightings.  I must pay a second visit to the centre some time during the winter. 

Black-headed Gull  -   2BKL   -  Castle Espie Wetland Centre, Co. Down  (02 Jun 2017)

(Ringed as a Chick, on the 19th June 2014, at Castle Espie Wetland Centre) 

Black-headed Gull  -   2APB   -  Castle Espie Wetland Centre, Co. Down  (02 Jun 2017)

(Ringed as a Chick, on the 15th June 2015, at Castle Espie Wetland Centre)

I also received a PDF file, for a juvenile Black-headed Gull, spotted by Cameron Moore back in August.   2CLV , was a first sighting of a chick, ringed in June 2017, at Blue Circle Island on Larne Lough.  The distance from the island to Whitehead, where Cameron saw the youngster, is only 8 kms / 5 miles in a south-easterly direction.  As far as I'm aware, this young gull has not been seen since.

(Juvenile/1st Winter) Black-headed Gull  -   2CLV   -  Whitehead, Co. Antrim  (28 Aug 2017)

(Ringed as a Chick, on the 16th June 2017, at Blue Circle Island, Larne Lough, Co. Antrim)

(Photo Courtesy of Cameron Moore)

A Herring Gull -  R17:M , which I spotted on the rocks opposite Ardglass Harbour, was ringed as a chick, on the Isle of Man, on the 23rd June 2015.  Kevin Scott and the BTO, were both informed of the sighting, but I'm still waiting on a reply from Kevin.  Until this happens, we'll not know of any re-sighting history.  Kevin is notorious, for taking an age to reply, if at all.  The Isle of Man, is a large island in the Irish Sea, situated between Northern Ireland and England.

Herring Gull  -    R17:M   -  Ardglass Harbour, Co. Down  (16 Nov 2017)

(Ringed as a Chick, on the 23rd June 2015, on the Isle of Man)

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about the return of a German-rung Black-headed Gull at Carrickfergus - spotted by Cameron Moore.  Adam, caught and 'colour-ringed' this gull during the 2015/16 winter, the code reading  2ANX .  With Adam, now back online, we now know, that  2ANX , was spotted during the summer at a breeding colony in Germany.  Read the story of  2ANX , on Adam's blog (Read Here).

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Thursday 23rd November 2017

Today, I covered the north coast of County Antrim, moving eastwards and then south, finishing off at Sandy Bay in Larne.  It was a very long journey, made on a bitterly cold day.  I had just finished checking gulls at Ballycastle, when the sky became so black, that the towns street lights activated.  This was around 1.15pm, and the next couple of hours, saw a mixture of rain, sleet and snow.

By the time, that I reached Sandy Bay, the weather settled again and the sun shone once more.  Throughout my trip, many gulls and a few waders were checked for rings, with only four being recorded.  These, were spotted at my first and last stop.  After Glenarm, I was going to call it a day, because of the weather.  I was so glad, that I pushed on to Sandy Bay, where I was in for a treat.

Portrush, Co. Antrim

My target at Portrush, was a Black-headed Gull, rung   EW83177 .  I had spotted this gull, during each of the previous two winters and I wanted to see if it had returned.  Having visited Portrush, on a couple of occasions, over the last few weeks, there was no sign of it.  Arriving at the East Strand car park, 60 to 70 gulls were standing around the almost deserted car park.  Mostly, Herring and Black-headed Gulls, in more or less equal numbers, there were also a handful of Common Gulls.

Parking in a nice open area, I started scoping the gulls and found a Black-headed Gull, with a 'metal-ring'.  Surely, this was my bird, I thought.  Throwing out bits of bread, I soon had most birds around me, including my 'metal'.  A number of photos later, I confirmed the return of   EW83177 .  Today's, was my fifth sighting of this gull.

Ringed as a chick, in June 2010, it is now 7 years, 5 months and 11 days, since   EW83177  was tagged.  The ringing site, was the North Esk Reservoir, in the Scottish Borders, with the distance to Portrush, being 219 kms / 136 miles (WSW).  I was well pleased to see it again, as not only does it prove the gull's loyalty to it's wintering site, but adds to it's longevity record.  Goodness knows, where it goes to breed in the summer, as 'metals' are not easily read.

Black-headed Gull  -    EW83177   -  East Strand Car Park, Portrush, Co. Antrim  (23 Nov 2017)
(Ringed as a Chick, on the 12th June 2010, at North Esk Reservoir, Borders, Scotland)

Sandy Bay, Larne, Co. Antrim

Arriving at Sandy Bay, the shoreline, was teeming with gulls and waders.  Parking at the side of the road, I got out and had a quick scan with my binoculars.  Within seconds, I spotted two rings.  The first would be easy, as it was a 'colour-ringed' juvenile Black-headed Gull from Adam's Study.  The second ring, a 'metal', was a must get, as it was on a Mediterranean Gull.

With the camera out, I quickly took photos of the juvenile, the code on it's 'colour-ring', read -  2CNB .  Having later reported my sighting to Adam, he replied, sending me a PDF file.  This was a first sighting of  2CNB , since it was ringed as a chick, on the 16th June 2017, at Blue Circle Island on the nearby Larne Lough.

(Juvenile/1st Winter) Black-headed Gull  -   2CNB   -  Sandy Bay, Larne, Co. Antrim  (23 Nov 2017)

(Ringed as a Chick, on the 16th June 2017, at Blue Circle Island, Larne Lough)

With the juvenile Black-headed Gull, sorted, my attention turned to the Med Gull.  A very feisty bird, it was constantly on the move, and often chased away the BHGs nearby.  It was very hard to follow this one with the camera - trying to zoom into it's 'metal-ring'.  After a while, all the birds took off, as something spooked them.  Returning to the car, I checked through my photos, and realised the gull was from Holland, - I could read Arnhem on the ring.  Knowing, I needed seven digits, I was missing the last three -   3.738.*** .

After a while, the gulls returned, including my Med Gull.  Once again, I concentrated on the 'metal'.  Having now taken around 80 photos, I retreated to the car, and turned on the heater - my hands purple with cold.  Looking through my photos, I was delighted to find, I had the missing digits -   593 .  My thoughts, now went back to last winter, where I had spotted a Dutch Med Gull at Glenarm.

Returning home, I checked the ring number on my spreadsheet and could not believe how lucky I had been.  My efforts, had been justly rewarded with a re-sighting of the same gull.  My previous sighting was made on the 28th November 2016 (Read Here), - almost a year ago.   3.738.593 , was ringed as a chick, on the 20th June 2015, on De Kreupel Island, on Lake IJsselmeer, Holland.

Mediterranean Gull  -  Holland    3.738.593   -  Sandy Bay, Larne, Co. Antrim  (23 Nov 2017)

(Ringed as a Chick, on the 20th June 2015, at De Kreupel Island, Holland)

I drove on around the corner, to the Larne Harbour end of Sandy Bay.  A small number of Black-headed Gulls, were standing around on the grass verge beside the road.  Throwing bits of bread, onto the road from the car window, the gulls quickly flew over.  Among these, was another of Adam's gulls.   2ABH , is an adult male, which was ringed here, on the 21st January 2013.  This was my fourth sighting of this bird, having initially spotted it here, on the 5th December 2015.

Black-headed Gull  -   2ABH   -  Sandy Bay, Larne, Co. Antrim  (23 Nov 2017)

(Ringed as an Adult Male, on the 21st January 2013, at Sandy Bay)

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Monday 27th November 2017

The forecast for today, was not good, with heavy showers predicted, along with strong north-westerly winds.  With a couple of chores to do down the town, I decided to call into my local park on the way home.

Around 100 Black-headed Gulls were present.  Walking through the gates of the park carrying a loaf, the ever vigilant gulls spotted me from the roof of the Pavilion and flew in my direction.  Around half of the gulls and many pigeons, flocked around me looking for a feed.  Among them, was my second sighting this winter of  2AXV .  This gull, wintered here as a juvenile last winter (23rd October 2016 - 11th March 2017).  It was ringed as a chick, on the 7th June 2016, at Marsh Lane Nature Reserve, in the West Midlands of England. 

Black-headed Gull  -    2AVX   -  The Peoples Park, Ballymena, Co. Antrim  (27 Nov 2017)

(Ringed as a Chick, on the 7th June 2016, at Marsh Lane NR, West Midlands, England)

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New Recruits...

Antrim Marina - Sunday 19th November 2017

Today, saw mild weather conditions again, with hazy sunshine and just a slight breeze.  Good numbers of Black-headed Gulls, were already present on my arrival.  Numbering, around the 100 mark, more gulls soon arrived, taking the total to around 150 birds.  This total remained constant throughout my four hour visit, though gulls were clearly coming and going.  The overall number of individuals, would easily have surpassed the 200 mark.

With 24 'colour-ringed' BHGs to look out for, 19 were spotted by the time I departed at 1pm.  Again, there was no sign of the North Ronaldsay gull, so it's looking likely this bird has moved on.  I was hoping to report the return of the Icelandic BHG, which is 'metal-ringed'.  Although, it's now due, there was no sign of it.

  2AAF , is causing me some concern.  When I last saw it on the 5th November, it had an injured leg and spent most of it's time hunched up on the long jetty.  It is not a very good sign, when the birds are in this condition and looking sorry for themselves.  Having been absent during the previous two visits, perhaps   2AAF  is just lying low somewhere.

Colour-ringed Black-headed Gulls at Antrim Marina  -  Sunday 19th November

2ABN	2AAT	T35J	2ABF	2AAB	2CJT	2AAN	2ADJ	2AAR	2ACV
2AAP	2AAK	2ABK	2BRA	2ABS	2AAA	2ADV	2ABA	2AAV

Today's Absentees

2AAC	2AAF	2ABL	2AFD	2ANS

With Adam back on the scene, the Orange Darvic's, were now available and three BHGs were duly caught by hand and ringed.  All three are of known age, as two were juveniles, and the third is into it's second winter.  This second winter bird, is the one that arrived two weeks ago and perches onto my hand to be fed.  I still believe, it is the very same gull, that did this last winter, as a juvenile.  As it has only re-appeared of late, it is obviously not a resident.

If one or two gulls could be ringed each week, until I finish my winter visits at the end of March, then a nice overall total may be achieved.

Two of the New Recruits  -  Juveniles    2CSA   and     2CSB   -  Antrim Marina, Co. Antrim  (19 Nov 2017)

Other Birds at Antrim Marina

Today, the highest number of Common Gulls, so far this winter, appeared.  Four adults, were present for most of my visit, but did not include the Scottish-rung   EY64036 .  This bird, did arrive as predicted, back in September, but has not been seen since.  I'd be fairly sure, it is still frequenting Lough Neagh.  These gulls seem to stay clear of the Marina, until the winter weather becomes colder and harsher.  The lack of natural food, seems to draw them in to the Marina, during such times.  From late December, I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for the return of the Finnish bird.  It will be over 22 years old, should it make it back again.

An adult Herring Gull, arrived at 09.30, which I think is the same bird that was here along with a juvenile, earlier this autumn.  A juvenile, appeared at 10.20, which might be the same youngster, though more grown up.  The near adult, which has been here over the last few weeks, was very late arriving today and appeared at 12.40.

When I arrived, four adult Mute Swans, plus two cygnets, were already present on the slipway.  Being busy with the Black-headed Gulls, other Mute Swans slipped in unnoticed.  I ended up, with 9 adults and three cygnets, by the time of my departure.  Only one bird was ringed -   W34158 .

Mallard numbers, were again on the low side, with maximum numbers of around 40 birds.  Again, no rings were spotted on any of them.

A single Kingfisher, flashed by the Marina on a number of occasions.  5 Hooded Crows, 8 Jackdaws and 2 Magpies, were the only other species noted.

Antrim's Elim Church, KFC and Baptist Church

After leaving the Marina, I checked the BHGs at Antrim's Elim Church, KFC and Baptist Church.  Gulls were present in small numbers at all three sites.  The only ring spotted, was my second sighting this winter, of the Polish (White) TY43, at the Baptist Church.  It's beginning to look, as if this gull is wintering at Antrim Town.  A new sighting, when I spotted it, on the 16th October, I thought that it might just be passing through.  Continued sightings over the next couple of months, would cement it's status here, as a winter resident.

Black-headed Gull  -  Poland  (White)  TY43  -  Antrim Baptist Church,  Co. Antrim  (19 Nov 2017)

(Ringed as an Unsexed 2nd Calendar Year, on the 9th February 2012, at Olsztyn-Kormoran, Poland)

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Ringing Details Received

The Browser that I prefer to use - Firefox - recently upgraded to what was stated to be a faster system.  However, this is far from the truth, and it is now operating at a painfully slower speed.

I therefore decided to switch to Microsoft Edge.  When coming round to working on my blog, I am encountering several problems while editing.  I tried using another Microsoft Browser and also Google Chrome, but these do not solve my problems.

As working on this post, has taken an age to put together, I will not add 'Ringing Details Received' this time.  I'll include them in my next post, by which time, I might have received the details for my Whooper Swan and latest Herring Gull sightings.

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Thursday 16th November 2017

I decided to try my luck on County Down coast today.  I chose to start, on the west side of Strangford Lough, beginning with a first ever visit to Dundrum and working the coast, moving around to Killyleagh.  On the way down, I called by Corbet Lough and the Lough at Castlewellan Forest Park.

At Corbet Lough, I spotted one of Adam's BHGs, -   2ADR .  This gull was ringed here as an adult female, in December 2013.  Although   2ADR , winters at Corbet Lough, it seems to be breeding somewhere on Lough Neagh.  I spotted   2ADR , at Kinnego Marina, on the 14th August 2016 and there is a record of it having been at Kinnego, in October 2015.  The Marina, is situated on the southern edge of Lough Neagh and is situated 20 kms / 12 miles north-west of Corbet Lough.  It seems as if   2ADR , spends a little time at Kinnego, once the breeding season is over.

Black-headed Gull  -     2ADR   -  Corbet Lough, Co. Down  (16 Nov 2017)

(Ringed as an Adult Female, on the 6th December 2013, at Corbet Lough, Co. Down)

None of the 40'ish Black-headed Gulls at Castlewellan, were ringed, so it was on to Dundrum.  Here, there were extensive mud-flats, which were fully exposed, as the tide was out.  Away in the distance, a flock of gulls, numbering between 6 and 7 hundred birds could be seen.

Not so far away, were small groups of Brent Geese, with a number of birds carrying 'coloured' rings.  Even, with the power of my camera, they were still too far out to read the codes.  I must say, Dundrum looks promising, so I'll make a return visit on a later date.  I need to arrive at a time, when the tide starts to recede and see what happens.

Moving on from Dundrum, I checked small groups of gulls and waders, all along the coast.  No more rings were spotted until I reached Ardglass Harbour.  On the rocks opposite the harbour, a couple of hundred gulls of various species, were resting.  Scoping through these, I spotted a sub-adult Herring Gull, ringed -   R17:M , a new sighting.  I knew by the code, that this was from the Isle of Man and the gull has now been reported to both Kevin Scott and the BTO.

I remained at Ardglass, for quite a while, hoping to spot another ring, especially as there were an excellent number of Black-headed and Common Gulls.  It started to get dark and as the light was failing, I called it a day.  Heading for home, I was disappointed at not spotting another 'colour-ring'.

Herring Gull  -     R17:M   -  Ardglass Harbour, Co. Down  (16 Nov 2017)

(Waiting on Ringing Details)

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Saturday 18th November 2017

My plan today, was to check the beach at Whiteabbey.  I have been hoping to see the return of a Portuguese-rung Lesser Black-backed Gull, but there is still no sign of it.  There is also the possibility, that a Polish-rung Mediterranean Gull, might also return to Whiteabbey.

With the tide fast receding, gulls were arriving in good numbers, both to feed and bathe in the river, which flows into Belfast Lough.  The first ring spotted, was my third sighting here of the juvenile Black-headed Gull -   2CPN , from Adam's Study.  As Adam, is back online, I finally received the ringing details for this youngster.

 2CPN , was ringed as a chick, on the 16th June 2017, at Blue Circle island, on Larne Lough.  The island lies 18 kms / 11 miles, to the north-east of Whiteabbey Beach.  Having took a few photos, this youngster seems to be looking quite good and should survive the winter. 

(Juvenile)  Black-headed Gull  -     2CPN   -  Whiteabbey Shoreline, Co. Antrim  (18 Nov 2017)

(Ringed as a Chick, on the 16th June 2017, at Blue Circle Island, Larne Lough, Co. Antrim)

The next ring to be spotted, was a 'Yellow Darvic', on a Black-headed Gull.  The bird was washing itself, at the edge of the river, which flows down the beach and into Belfast Lough.  Scoping the ring, all I could read was ' 4H ', as the remainder of the ring was submerged.  Immediately, I thought, this was the gull which has evaded me, during the past two winters here.

I kept a sharp eye on the gull, in case it should take flight, which eventually, it did.  Following the gull in flight, it landed further up the beach to the north.  Moving along the footpath, as quickly as possible, I was now in camera range.  A few snaps later, and the code on the ring was secured -   214H .  I recognised the number sequence and knew this gull was from a project in County Mayo, in the Republic of Ireland.  On returning home, I emailed Eoin McGreal, reporting my find.

On Monday morning, the reply was in.    214H , was ringed as a chick, on the 4th June 2007.  My sighting, was the first record for this gull.  With a duration of 10 years, 5 months and 14 days, I find it amazing, that the   214H  has remained undetected for so long.  Should this be the same BHG, which has evaded me in the past, then it would be safe to assume, it winters here every year.

I should mention, two other BHGs, from the Lough Mask Project, which were also first sightings, long after being ringed.  On the 22nd March 2016, I spotted  236S , at Glynn, on Larne Lough.    236S , had been ringed as a chick, in June 2007.  Suzanne Belshaw, spotted  290P , at Lurgan Park, in County Armagh, on the 10th March 2017.    290P , was also ringed as a chick in June 2007.

My record of  214H , makes it a hat-trick of first sightings for 2007 youngsters.  Lough Mask, is situated, 253 kms / 157 miles, south-west, from Whiteabbey.

My thanks to Eoin, for replying so quickly, with the ringing details of this gull.

Black-headed Gull  -    214H   -  Whiteabbey Shoreline, Co. Antrim  (16 Nov 2017)

(Ringed as a Chick, on the 4th June 2007, at Lough Mask, Co. Mayo, Rep. of Ireland)

A Common Gull, with a 'Blue-ring', was next to be spotted.  Although, well out, my camera caught the code -   2AIP  .  Today's, is my eighth sighting of   2AIP .  The first ever sighting was made back in October 2015, and my previous sighting was on the 22nd August 2017.  Ringed as a chick, on the Copeland Islands in June 2012,   2AIP , is now approaching five and a half years of age.

Common Gull  -     2AIP   -  Whiteabbey Shoreline, Co. Antrim,  (16 Nov 2017)

(Ringed as a Chick, on the 11th June 2012, at Big Copeland Island, Co. Down) 

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First Whooper...

Antrim Marina - Sunday 12th November 2017

With most 'colour-ringed' Black-headed Gulls, having returned for the winter, I am now waiting on three birds.    2BRC  and   2BRD , are both infrequent visitors, whilst   2ADD , who winters in Carrickfergus, will not return until the spring.    2ADD , hadn't been sighted since June, despite my recent efforts to locate him at Carrickfergus.  Finally, I found him at Carrick yesterday (14th) and now know, he is still alive and kicking (read below).

The weather, was nice and calm, for today's visit at the Marina.  With a fair bit of sunshine and a light breeze, the conditions suited flies, which were out in large numbers.  Many of the Black-headed Gulls, were seen feeding on the flies, whilst on the wing.  Numbers fluctuated all morning, ranging from 30 to around 150 birds.

20 'colour-ringed' BHGs were spotted today, out of a total of 24, which have been recorded since the start of August.  The most noticeable absentee, was   2AFD , which arrived back last Sunday, from Latvia.

The 'metal-ringed' BHG from North Ronaldsay, in the Orkney Islands, was also absent, having been spotted during the previous two visits.  I had hoped to see the return of an Icelandic BHG, but there was no sign of it either.  'Metal-ringed', as a chick in 2003, it is now due to arrive, so fingers crossed for my next visit.

Colour-ringed BHGs at Antrim Marina  -  Sunday 12th November 2017

2AAC	2ACV	2AAB	2ADJ	2BRA	2AAV	2ADV	2CJT	2AAR	T35J
2AAN	2AAA	2ABL	2AAT	2ABF	2AAK	2ABN	2ABS	2AAP	2ABA

Today's Absentees

2ABK	2AAF	2AFD	2ANS

Other Birds at Antrim Marina

The sub-adult Herring Gull, which arrived here a few weeks ago, appeared at 10.15, but only stayed for around 30 minutes.  The only Common Gull, was spotted at 11.30.  This adult, was probably the same bird, which would come and go throughout the remainder of my visit.

3 Mute Swans, plus 2 cygnets, were present when I arrived at 09.30 this morning.  A 4th adult arrived in from the Lough at 10.20, followed by another two at 12.20.  Five minutes later, a cygnet and an adult arrived in, and the adult turned out to be   W34158 , who is not a parent of the cygnet.  The eighth and final adult, appeared at 12.38, again arriving in from the Lough.  None of the other swans were ringed.

Mallard numbers, were lower today and never exceeded 50 birds.  The milder weather, was likely to be the cause, with fewer birds looking for an easy meal.  No rings spotted, though most ducks were checked.

Barring members of the crow family, no other species were spotted.  7 Hooded Crows, 9 Jackdaws and a single Magpie, were today's sightings.

Antrim's Elim Church, KFC and Baptist Church

After leaving the Marina, I checked the other now customary sites, at Antrim's Elim Church, the KFC outlet and Baptist Church.  With Black-headed Gulls present in small numbers at all three, the only ring spotted, was my fourth sighting this winter of the Norwegian -   JK35 .  Despite, all of my weekly visits,   JK35   has only been recorded once each month at KFC, since arriving back in August.

Black-headed Gull  -  Norway    JK35   -  Antrim KFC, Co. Antrim  (12 Nov 2017)
(Ringed as a Chick, on the 18th June 2014, at Stavanger, Norway)

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Another Returnee

I usually spend my time, reporting on new and returning 'ringed' birds.  This week saw the return from the wilderness, of another - well, not a bird anyway.

Adam, has broken his silence, citing problems, with his computer and emails.  Offering, his sincere apologies for the absence of any communication, he is now trying to catch up with his Northern Ireland Study.  I am now receiving a steady stream of replies, for gulls that have been sighted, as far back as June.  I will report on these in my next post, under 'Ringing Details Received.

Adam, is also offering the use of his 'Orange Darvic's, so that we can ring some new recruits at Antrim Marina and elsewhere.  This couldn't have come at a better time.  My request to use the 'Blue Darvic's', which I hold, apparently clashes with those used on a Black-headed Gull Study, elsewhere.  My 'Darvic's', were registered for use on Common Gulls only, and the codes are exactly the same for each species.

I'm glad, to see Adam back again.  Despite his absence, I never stopped emailing my sightings, in the continuation of his project.  Long may this continue.

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Tuesday 14th November 2017

With so little to add to this weeks post, I held back on publication, so that I could get out and find something.  Except for visiting Antrim Marina, I am still a bit on the sore side, since my operation.  The weather, has played a role in this.  Of late, it has been cold and windy and I dare'nt risk catching a cold or the flu.

 

Today, Tuesday 14th, saw perfect conditions.  Although cloudy, there was hardly a breath of wind and the temperature outside, was good.  I decided, to cover the east coast of County Antrim, starting at Carnlough and then move southwards towards Belfast, before the night set in.  I got as far as Carrickfergus, before the skies darkened and the rain began to fall.

I re-sighted four birds on my travels and recorded two new rings, which included my first Whooper Swan.  A chance meeting with Cameron Moore, at Whitehead, also brought news, about other gull re-sightings.

Carnlough and Glenarm

I was very disappointed, in the lack of gulls and waders, at both villages.  The only ring spotted, was my second sighting this winter, of an the Icelandic Oystercatcher.  Spotted on the 7th October, this is the birds second winter here at Carnlough Bay, since being ringed in May 2016.  

Oystercatcher  -  Iceland  Orange|Orange  /  White (AA)  -  Carnlough Bay, Co. Antrim  (14 Nov 2017)
(Ringed as a Breeding Adult, on the 10th May 2016, at Kjalarnes, Iceland)

Sandy Bay, Larne

Moving, towards Larne, I checked small flocks of gulls and waders, in several places.  The next ring found, was at Sandy Bay, in Larne.  Herring Gull   3T:W , was ringed as a breeding adult, on the 4th May 2015, on the Copeland Islands in County Down.  Sandy Bay, is situated 26 kms / 16 miles (NW), of the Copelands.  Today's, is my third record of   3T:W , at Sandy Bay, having initially spotted the gull on the 5th December 2015.

Herring Gull  -    3T:W   -  Sandy Bay, Larne, Co. Antrim  (14 Nov 2017)
(Ringed as a Breeding Adult, on the 4th May 2015, on Big Copeland Island, Co. Down)

Glynn

By the time that I arrived at Glynn, on Larne Lough, the tide was well out.  Again, not many gulls or waders were present, although there was a nice flock of 40+ Whooper Swans.  Had any of the gulls been ringed, they would have been too far out to read.  The Whoopers, however, were mostly lying half way out, on the seaweed.

I knew, they were just reachable with my camera, should any be ringed.  Despite my efforts, trying to find my first 'ringed' Whooper Swan last winter, in Donegal and at Myroe, I was still waiting.  I decided, to wait on this bunch at Glynn, and I was eventually rewarded, by spotting -   ZAF .  No sooner, had I took a few photos, when something spooked the Swans and they all made a dash for the waters of the Lough.

Whooper Swan  -    ZAF   -  Glynn, Larne Lough, Co. Antrim  (14 Nov 2017)
(Waiting on the Ringing Details)

Whitehead

Parked beside the boat club at Whitehead, I had been checking the gulls for about 10 minutes, when Cameron Moore arrived.  We had a lengthy chat, which included the recent sightings of two Norwegian rung BHGs, spotted here at Whitehead.  Although, not sure of the ring numbers, he said he would email the photos to me this evening.  Another Black-headed Gull, which Cameron, was eager to spot again, was the Danish - White 5HA.  As Cameron lives at Whitehead, he checks for rings, practically every day.

Cameron departed, and within 5 minutes, a gull with a White Darvic, landed in the car park, close to my car.  A quick peek through my binoculars, and it was none other than 5HA.  Ringed as an adult male in March 2015, Cameron was the first person to spot the gull, on the 26th November 2016.  I recorded 5HA, on four occasions last winter, with my final sighting being on the 26th February 2017.  Nice to see another returnee, and Cameron could not believe how 'jammie', I was.

Black-headed Gull  -  Denmark  (White)  5HA  -  Whitehead, Co. Antrim (14 Nov 2017)

(Ringed as an Adult Male, on the 28th March 2015, at Copenhagen, Denmark)

True to his word, Cameron emailed the photos of the Norwegian-rung Black-headed Gulls, plus one of Adam's Study birds -   2ANX  .    2ANX , along with   2ADD , were my targets at Carrickfergus, after leaving Whitehead (report below).

The two Norwegian birds were   J896   and   JJ02 .  I came across   JJ02  , at Carrickfergus (also below).    J896 , was recorded on a single occasion last winter, when Cameron and I spotted it on the 4th February.  We got it independently of each other at Whitehead.  Ringed as an adult male in April 2014, at Stavanger, it seems that    J896   is only a visitor to Whitehead, while on passage.

Black-headed Gull  -  Norway    J896   -  Whitehead, Co. Antrim  (12 Nov 2017)

(Ringed as an Adult Male, on the 18th April 2014, at Stavanger, Norway)

(Photo Courtesy of Cameron Moore)

Carrickfergus

On reaching Carrickfergus Harbour, I was on the lookout for Adam's Study birds, especially   2ADD   and   2ANX .  Parking on the harbour wall,   2ADD   was among the gulls, attracted to the bread I threw out.    2ADD , was last seen in June, at Antrim Marina.  Normally, he would spend a week or two, at Antrim's KFC outlet after the breeding season, before moving on to Carrickfergus, where he spends the winter.  It was great to see him again.

Black-headed Gull  -    2ADD   -  Carrickfergus Harbour, Co. Antrim  (14 Nov 2017)
(Ringed as an Adult Male, on the 29th November 2013, at Carrickfergus Harbour, Co. Antrim)

My second target was   2ANX , a Black-headed Gull ringed in Germany, in 2008.  Adam, caught the gull in January 2016 and applied the colour-ring.  I never got   2ANX , during my visit to Carrickfergus harbour, but Cameron Moore, happened to call by three-quarters of an hour later and   2ANX  was present.

This is now the fourth winter that this German BHG, has been recorded at Carrickfergus :- 2013/2014, 2015/2016, 2016/2017 and now 2017/2018.

Black-headed Gull  -  Germany    IA114059   /    2ANX   -  Carrickfergus, Co. Antrim  (14 Nov 2017)

(Ringed as an Adult Male, 14th May 2008, at Ostvorpommern, Germany)

(Photo Courtesy of Cameron Moore)

Leaving Carrickfergus Harbour, I moved on to Rhanbouy Park, situated on the southern edge of the town.  I first came here a few weeks ago and discovered a good vantage point, with a sea-wall separating Belfast Lough, from the local houses.  On that occasion, it was getting dark, when I spotted a young Black-headed Gull with an Orange Darvic.  This young bird, would have come from Adam's Study, but there was no sign of it today.

Throwing bread over the wall, I attracted a good number of gulls, which included one with a 'Green Darvic'.  A few minutes later, the code was read and photos taken.  Ringed -   JJ02 ,  this was the gull that Cameron had spotted a few days earlier at nearby Whitehead.  I strongly believe, this is the same gull, which I had sighted last winter, just to the south.

Ringed, as an adult female in June 2014, this was it's first reported sighting outside of Norway.

Black-headed Gull  -  Norway    JJ02   -  Carrickfergus, Co. Antrim  (14 Nov 2017)
(Ringed as an Adult Female, on the 12th June 2014, at Oslo, Norway)

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