Xmas Gull & Godwit Nailed...

Antrim Marina - Monday 24th December 2018

Knowing, all of the building and dredging work, would be off for the Christmas period, I postponed my weekly visit to Antrim Marina, until today.  Arriving at 9.15am, I spotted two of the 'colour-ringed' Black-headed Gulls, even before I got through the barrier, which leads towards the slipway.  It was a calm, clear, winter's day, and after an overnight frost, the temperature still read -1.5°C.  It wasn't till late in the morning, before the sun climbed above the conifers, which screens the car park, and the temperature then increased to 7°C.

Knowing I needed to catch and ring, another one or two gulls, I was forced at times, to keep my car engine running and the heater turned up.  Quite often, my hands were blue with cold, and I had to retreat to the warmth.  So far this winter, I had re-sighted 30 of Adam's 'colour-ringed' Black-headed Gulls, and with the three additional gulls, that I've caught and ringed over the last few weeks, I was on the lookout for 33 gulls altogether.

Three other gulls -   2AFD ,   2CFC   &   2BRC , which should have returned long ago, still weren't recorded by the time of my departure, shortly after 1.30pm.

Around 50 to 60 Black-headed Gulls, were present from my arrival, until 10.30, and after that, not a single gull was to be seen until 11.12.  After this, numbers quickly surpassed the 200 mark, which took me by surprise, considering all of the disturbance over the last few weeks.  Of the 33 gulls, that I was on the lookout for,   2CSF , was my 27th and final sighting, at 1.23pm.  At 10.24, I recorded   2CTA , for the first time, since I caught and ringed it here, two weeks ago.

Black-headed Gull  -    2CTA   -  Antrim Marina, Antrim Town, Co. Antrim  (24 Dec 2018)

(Ringed as an Un-sexed 2nd Winter Bird, on the 10th December 2018, at Antrim Marina)

Despite the sudden upsurge in gull numbers later in the morning, some kept alighting on the steel framing of the new cafe.  No matter how I tried to position myself, the legs on most of these gulls were out of sight, which doesn't help when trying to read rings. As many as 40 to 50 BHGs, were perched beside the distant breakwater, which were of no use to me either.  I cannot help thinking, that my late arrivals, are here somewhere, but have not been spotted, as yet.

Gulls were Landing on the Steel-Work of the New Cafe

Not Ideal, When Trying to Read Rings

Another three Black-headed Gulls, of differing ages, were caught and ringed during today's visit.  A full adult, was ringed   2CTB , followed by   2CTC , on a 1st Winter bird, finally,   2CTD , was fitted onto a 2nd Winter gull.  This now means, that I'm on the lookout for 36 'colour-ringed' Black-headed Gulls, on my next visit.

Colour-Ringed Black-headed Gulls at Antrim Marina, on Monday 24th December 2018

2CSR	2CSA	2AAA	2ABK	2ACV	2ADJ	2ABS	2AAP	2AAT
2ABN	2CJT	2AAR	2CTA	2CSX	T35J	2AAN	2AAB	2CSH
2BRA	2ADV	2CSB	2CSK	2CSJ	2AAK	2ABL	2CSL	2CSF

Today's Absentees

2ABF	2AAV	2BRD	2ANS	2CSS	2CSV

Other Birds at Antrim Marina

Today, saw the best showing of Common Gulls, so far this winter.  Two, were already present on my arrival, but they disappeared along with the BHGs, by 10.30.  An increase in numbers, were in line with the return of the Black-headed Gulls, with a total of 7 adult Common Gulls being present by 12.18.  Earlier, at 11.18, a large, nice looking juvenile Common Gull appeared, which then remained on and off, until my departure.

Of the adults which did appear, there was no sign of the Scottish 'metal-ringed' bird, or the one with a 'Wonkey' leg.  Every time, I saw Common Gulls, landing on the short concrete Jetty, I had to check for rings with my binoculars.  It's almost time, for the Finnish-rung bird, to put in an appearance.  I know from past experience, that this bird, is not shy when it comes to being near people.  I suspect, that this bird, is people tolerant back home in Finland, and I often wonder, if it's ring has ever been read there.

Ringed as a juvenile, in August 1995, it is approaching twenty three and a half years old, should it return in January.  The earliest return dates, that I have for this gull, is the 2nd January 2017, and the 14th January 2018.  I'm really keeping my fingers crossed, in the hope that it will survive it's journey's.  The oldest ever Common Gull, on the BTO's records, was aged twenty seven years and 10 months of age.  My bird, might not surpass that record, but it is doing well, travelling back and forth over all those years.

The sub-adult Herring Gull, arrived around 10am, stayed for about fifteen minutes, and never reappeared again.

Mute Swan,   W34158 , was present throughout my visit.  At 10.23, a pair arrived in from the Lough, and I think by their reactions, this was the same pair, which appeared a couple of weeks ago.  The female, is a little shy, but will take bread from my hand if approached slowly.

At 10.35, another pair arrived in from the Lough, but these, had two large cygnets with them.  Both adults, readily came out of the water, to take bread from my hand, which makes me think, that they have been regular visitors in the past.  Their two cygnets, on the other hand, did not know what to do with themselves, as they definitely were not used to being around people.

Just as I was about to leave, a third pair appeared from the Lough.  I coaxed them out of the water, but the only ring today, was that of the ever present -   W34158 .

Mallards, were particularly non-existent in the early part of the morning, with just 12 birds counted.  Further counts, were made at 10.47 (39 birds), and 12.33 (48 birds).  On leaving, I would think the overall total just about topped the 60 mark.  Once again, most were checked for rings, but I've yet to record one this winter.

Jackdaws, were back in good numbers, with a high of 14 being counted.  A single Hooded Crow, Magpie and Pied Wagtail, were the only other species recorded.

Throughout the morning, several people stopped for a chat with me, many wondering what I was doing.  Strangely enough, most of them were from England, and came to Northern Ireland, for a Christmas Holiday.  The final couple, were from Portsmouth, the lady of which, stated that she'd recently took up the birdwatching.  It just so happened, that I had my third Black-headed Gull in hand, which had just been ringed.  She was ever so delighted, to see it close up.

Due to the late upsurge in gull numbers, I hadn't time to visit the other three sites around Antrim Town.  I had to return home and prepare for work.  As it was Christmas Eve, we had to work from 4pm until 10pm, instead of the usual 6.30pm, until 2.30am.  I was a bit 'peeved' to arrive and discover that the shift had been cancelled, whereas, I could have covered the other sites around Antrim Town.

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Ringing Details Received

Hendrik Trapp, from Germany, sent me an email, offering his sincere apologies (due to a staffing shortage).  He was responding, to the sighting of Black-headed Gull -   X82N , which was spotted on the 1st November 2018, by Graham McElwaine, and again the next day, by David Nixon.  They both recorded the gull, at Millquarter Bay, on Strangford Lough.

  X82N , was caught and ringed, as a breeding female, on the 31st May 2018, on an island called Riether Werder, in north-east Germany - the island, sits just inside the border with Poland.  The colony there, boasts a breeding population, of over 10,000 Black-headed Gulls.  The two sightings by Graham and David, were the first records of the gull, since being ringed.  The distance, is around 1,291 kms / 802 miles, to reach Millquarter Bay.

My thanks to Hendrik for the info - better late, than never.

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Wednesday 19th December 2018

On Sunday 16th December, I wrote about a 'colour-ringed' Knot, that I spotted on Kinnegar Beach, at Holywood, Co. Down.  Having seen a yellow ring, above the right knee, and a yellow flag below, I was not sure, if the bird carried any colour-rings on it's left leg.  It was among a group of Knots, numbering 50 to 60, birds altogether.  Eventually, the group settled into a tight huddle, on the pond, slightly inland from the beach, and most legs were out of sight.

Having finished work early the previous night, as most of our Christmas production has been completed, I was up early this morning, to catch the outgoing tide at Kinnegar Beach.  Arriving just after 10.30, the tide had started to retreat, which saw gulls and waders, starting to arrive in small numbers.

I did not have to wait too long, when the Knots, started to appear as well.  Numbers, quickly built up to, around 90 to 100 birds.  Scoping through them, I spotted a 'colour-ringed' Knot, that I did not see on Sunday.  Camera out, I took a number of poor quality photos, mainly due to how quickly my bird was moving.  Although, I quickly ascertained the 'colour-combination', and the position of the 'metal-ring', the better photos were taken later on.

My Knot, was rung, with an Orange Flag, bearing the code   X8 , over a Pale Blue ring, on it's right tarsus, with the 'metal', being placed on the bird's left tarsus.

Whilst following this bird with my camera, I then spotted the Knot, which I had spotted on Sunday, and successfully caught the colour-combination on that bird, as well (see below).

On returning home, I looked at the cr-birding site online, to find the contact addresses for the two Knots.  It just happens, that a Jim Wilson, was the contact for both birds.  After sending an email, a reply followed very quickly.

 

The first bird - Of(X8),P, was ringed as an un-sexed adult, on the 22nd September 2017, at Altcar, on Merseyside, in England.  Before today's sighting, the bird had been recorded twice on Mersyside -  11th August 2018 (Seaforth), and on the 10th September 2018 (Ainsdale Beach).

Knot  -  Of(X8),P  -  Kinnegar Beach, Holywood, Co. Down  (19 Dec 2018)

(Ringed as an Un-Sexed Adult, on the 22nd September 2017, at Altcar, Merseyside, England)

The second Knot, actually had a code on it's Yellow Flag, which I did not notice on Sunday's visit.  The bird's left leg, was clear of rings, with all rings being fitted onto the right leg.  A plain Yellow Ring, was placed above the knee (tibia), and the Yellow Flag - coded   17N , was situated above the 'metal-ring', below the knee (tarsus).

Y,Yf(17N), was ringed as an un-sexed adult, on the 22nd May 2017, at Straumfjordur, in western Iceland.  Prior to today's sighting, the only record of it, was on the 20th May 2018, at Skogarnes, also in Iceland.

I've reported both birds to the BTO, through my DemOn account, and now await the official distances, for them.

My thanks goes to Jim Wilson, for supplying the info for both birds.

Knot  -  Y,Yf(17N)  -  Kinnegar Beach, Holywood, Co. Down  (19 Dec 2018)

(Ringed as an Un-Sexed Adult, on the 22nd May 2017, at Straumfjordur, Western Iceland)

I returned to my car, which overlooked another section of Kinnegar Beach.  Just a short time earlier, I talked to another birdwatcher, who was peering over the birds on the shore, and in possession of a long lens camera.  I asked him, if he had seen anything interesting, to which he replied, he'd arrived about half an hour too late.

Although by now, he had moved on, I began scoping the gulls and waders, which were in front of his observing position.  I was a trifle bemused, having spotted a Black-headed Gull, with a White Darvic.  How had he missed this bird, I wondered!  Anyway, having scoped the code - (White) EE5R, I took a couple of photos, then headed back home, feeling pretty delighted with myself with today's sightings.

Checking the cr-birding site online, my Black-headed Gull - (White) EE5R, was from Holland, and I sent an email to Date Lutterop.  A reply came back a short time later, with the gull's ringing and re-sighting history.

(White) EE5R, was ringed as an un-sexed 2nd calendar year bird, on the 21st May 2016, on Griend Island, on the Wadden Sea, in north-west Holland.  I checked up about the island on Wikipedia, and discovered that it holds the largest population of Sandwich Terns in Europe, numbering over 10,000 pairs, as well as many other species of seabirds.

My sighting of (White) EE5R, was the first outside of Holland, where the gull had been recorded on three occasions at Griend - (May 2017, and twice in April 2018).  The distance from Griend to Kinnegar, is 742 kms / 461 miles (WNW).  (White) EE5R, also became the 3rd Dutch ringed Black-headed Gull, on my records, and the 2nd this winter.

My thanks goes to Date Lutterop, for supplying and allowing me to use his information on my blog.

Black-headed Gull  -  (White)  EE5R  -  Kinnegar Beach, Holywood, Co. Down  (19 Dec 2018)

(Ringed as an Un-sexed 2nd Calendar year bird, on the 21st May 2016, at Griend Island, Holland)

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Saturday 22nd December 2018

Unlike the last two Saturdays, where I was forced to remain at home due to very poor weather conditions, today was a very calm winter's day.  I finally managed to get to Millise, arriving just before the tide was due to start going out.  Immediately, I noticed a total lack of gulls, which as the afternoon wore on, was to be the theme of the day.

My planned route, was to start at Millisle, go north to Donaghadee, back to Millisle, then move southwards, to finish at Portaferry.  Along the way, I would pass through, Ballywalter, Ballyhalbert, Portavogie and Cloghy.  As already mentioned, there was a total lack of gulls, and the highlight of the afternoon, was a flock of 100 to 120 Lapwings, just to the north of Millisle.  Nearly all of these birds were scoped, but I'm still waiting to record my first 'colour-ringed' Lapwing.

Only two 'colour-ringed' gulls were recorded this afternoon, both being re-sightings of birds that I've recorded in the past.  The first of these, was spotted when I arrived at Millisle, this one being Common Gull -   2A60 .  This is the fourth winter running that I have spotted   2A60 , at Millisle, with my initial sighting being made on the 24th December 2015.

The last time I recorded this gull, was a day short of one year ago - 23rd December 2017.    2A60 , was ringed as a chick, in July 2013, at Hunterston, in Ayrshire, Scotland.  The duration since being ringed, is now 5 years, 5 months and 15 days.  Hunterston, is situated on the eastern side of the Irish Sea, from Millisle, the distance being 131 kms / 81 miles (NNE).

 

Today's sighting, was my tenth record of the gull.  I have informed Iain Livingstone, who is the Ringing Secretary, of the Grampian Ringing Group.  I have asked, if there were any re-sightings reported, since I last saw the gull in 2017.

Common Gull  -    2A60   -  Millisle, Co. Down  (22 Dec 2018)

(Ringed as a Chick, on the 7th July 2013, at Hunterston, Ayrshire, Scotland)

The second 'colour-ring' recorded this afternoon, was at Portavogie Harbour.  Here, I recorded my sixth sighting of Great Black-backed Gull -   T7VZ .  I first recorded   T7VZ , on the 13th February 2016, and last saw it here earlier this year, on the 28th January 2018.

Having been ringed as a chick, in 2013,   T7VZ , is looking quite good now, in it's adult plumage.  I have informed Mark Fitzpatrick, who is the new Ringing Secretary, for the Manx Ringing Group, on the Isle of Man.  Mark, will let me know, if there has been any further reports of the gull, since January.

Great Black-backed Gull  -    T7VZ   -  Portavogie Harbour, Co. Down  (22 Dec 2018)

(Ringed as a Chick, on the 17th July 2013, at the Point of Ayre Gravel Pits, on the Isle of Man)

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Sunday 23rd December 2018

I couldn't resist another visit to Kinnegar Beach, at Holywood, in County Down.  The beach here, easily, has to be one of the best spots for finding 'colour-ringed' birds, in Northern Ireland.  Millile, might be the Northern Ireland 'hotspot' for Common Gulls, but Kinnegar has to be the 'hotspot', for recording numerous 'colour-ringed' gulls and waders.

On Wednesday past, I recorded a Dutch Black-headed Gull, and two Knots - one from Iceland, the other from Merseyside, in England.  Today, I recorded another new 'colour-ring', this time a Common Gull -   J583 , from Norway.  Ringed as a chick, on the 8th July 2016, my sighting today, was the first record of the gull, since being ringed.

 

The ringing site, is the island of Kavringen, at the southern end of Tyrifjorden (Lake Tyri), Norway's fifth largest lake, and is situated 40 kms / 25 miles west of Oslo.  The distance to Kinnegar Beach, is 1,131 kms / 702 miles (SW).

Common Gull  -    J583   -  Kinnegar Beach, Holywood, Co. Down  (23 Dec 2018)

(Ringed as a Chick, on the 8th July 2016, at Kavringen Island, Norway)

In a way, this makes up for the Common Gull, which I spotted here on the 9th December 2018.  Ringed with a 'White Darvic', it was scared off, before I could obtain the code, by a women out walking her two dogs.  I reckoned, that this Common Gull, was also from Norway.

The only other definite ring sighting today, at Kinnegar, was that of, one of the two Knots recorded on Wednesday 19th December.  It was the one with the 'Orange Flag', with the code -   X8 .

I spent a long time at Kinnegar, as the tide was steadily retreating.  Waders, easily outnumbered gulls, and much time was spent scoping Oystercatchers, Knots, Dunlins, Redshanks, Godwits and Ringed Plovers.  Away in the distance, I spotted a 'colour-ringed' Bar-tailed Godwit, which appeared to have 'Yellow' rings on just the one leg.  Grabbing my camera, telescope and binoculars, I walked over to get a closer look, but could not locate the bird again.

I'm was certain, that this is the same Godwit, which I saw on the 9th December, standing on one leg, at the 'Kinnegar Pond', close to the shore.  In my post, on December 9th, I stated that this may well have been the same Godwit, which I spotted here on the 4th March 2018, having been rung in Holland (colour-rings on both legs).

Now, I'm not so sure either way.  I really need to 'tie' this bird down, and only photos of both legs, will confirm this Godwit, one way or another.  I plan to go to Belfast on Christmas Day, and will finish the day, by visiting Kinnegar Beach again.  The tide, will be due to go out after 2.30 in the afternoon.  Hopefully, I'll have enough time, to spot my Godwit, before it starts to get dark.

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Christmas Day - 25th December 2018

This morning, while most of the world, we're getting up to open their Christmas presents, I headed off to the Connswater Shopping Centre, in Belfast, in what has now become an annual event.  With all of the shops closed for the day, and an empty car park, this gives me the opportunity to record one particular Black-headed Gull, from Norway.  Whilst in Belfast, I checked numerous sites for ringed gulls, whittling away the time, before a receding tide at around 2.30pm.  Here, I wanted to sort out that Bar-tailed Godwit, for once and for all - was it the Dutch bird, I saw in March, or a new bird completely!!

I left home, on a very mild morning, though it was fairly dull, with a slight mist falling.  The temperature read 7°C, which reached a high of 12.5°C, later in the day, and there was hardly a breath of wind - a perfect day for 'Reading Rings'.

I arrived at Connswater, at 9.45am, armed with three loaves of bread, but by the end of the afternoon, I still had the remenants of the second loaf.  Throwing out bits of bread from my car window, I soon had an audience of Black-headed Gulls, along with a few Herring Gulls.  Minutes later, a 'White Darvic', was spotted, and I thought 'happy days', my Norwegian gull was back.

Grabbing my camera, and on taking a few photos, I had a shock, when I read the code (White) EAK9.  My last sighting of this Dutch-rung gull, was made here, in the very same car park, on Christmas Day, 2016.  Last winter, I failed to spot (White) EAK9, at the shopping centre, or at the nearby Victoria Park.

I was delighted, to see, that it is still alive and well.  (White) EAK9, was first recorded in Northern Ireland, on the 10th January 2014, when spotted by Adam McClure, at this same car park.  I then recorded (White) EAK9, on Christmas Day 2015, and again in 2016.

 

The duration since being ringed, as a third calendar year male, is now 6 years, 6 months and 12 days.  The distance from the Benthuizerplas Lake, in Zoetermeer, where it was ringed, is 745 kms / 463 miles, to Belfast.  Although (White) EAK9, is a re-sighting, it just happens to be the third Dutch colour-ringed Black-headed Gull that I've recorded around Belfast, so far this winter.

Black-headed Gull  -  (White)  EAK9  -  Connswater Shopping Centre, Belfast  (25 Dec 2018)

(Ringed as a 3rd Calendar Year Male, on the 13th June 2012, at Benthuizerplas, Zoetermeer, Holland)

With one ring sorted, I continued to throw out bits of bread, in the hope the Norwegian bird would show.  At 10.02am, I suddenly noticed, that two 'White Darvic's', were now present.  Swinging my camera into action again, I took photos of the most distant bird, to find, I had my 'Christmas Gull'.  It was the bird I was after, the Norwegian - (White) J4TJ.

Black-headed Gull  -  (White)  J4TJ  -  Connswater Shopping Centre, Belfast  (25 Dec 2018)

(Ringed as a 3rd Calendar Year Male, on the 19th April 2013, at Texburger, Oslo, Norway)

After being ringed in Norway, (White) J4TJ's first re-sighting, was made here at the shopping centre, by Adam McClure, on the 13th January 2014.  Today's sighting of (White) J4TJ, is my fourth record of the gull, all of which, have been made on Christmas Day (2015-2018), hence the labelling of it, my 'Christmas Gull'.  Since I last saw (White) J4TJ, last year, it was spotted back at Oslo, on two occasions over the spring and summer - 23rd April and 13th June 2018.

The distance from Oslo to Connswater, is 1,154 kms / 717 miles (SW), and the duration from ringing, is now 5 years, 8 months and 6 days.  I'll probably not see (White) J4TJ, again this winter, but one thing is for sure, I'll be after it again on Christmas Day, next year, if possible.

Leaving the Connswater Shopping Centre, I checked gulls for rings anywhere I could safely park.  The next two rings, were spotted on the Belfast Harbour Estate.  Parking on Connsbank Road, which seperates company premises from Victoria Park, I had noticed many gulls on rooftops and lampposts.  Once again, I started throwing out bits of bread, and soon had plenty of Black-headed Gulls around my car.

An 'Orange Darvic', was first to be spotted, this being one of Adam McClure's birds, from his Northern Ireland Study.  Just as well, I took a couple of quick photos, as the gull lifted off again, and not seen after that.  Ringed   2AKJ , I did not recognise the code, but after returning home, I checked my spreadsheet, to find that I had recorded this same bird, on one previous occasion.

This was on the 4th September 2016, on the lake at Victoria Park, which lies less than half a mile away, from where I had now spotted it.  At the time, my sighting was the first, since   2AKJ , had been ringed as a chick, in June 2015, at the Castle Espie Wetland Centre, in County Down.  I have a sneaky suspicion, that today's sighting might well be the second overall re-sighting.  Unfortuanetly, Adam is still not responding to emails, so it might take a while for confirmation.

 

The distance from Castle Espie, to the Belfast Harbour Estate, is roughly 14 kms / 9 miles (NW), the duration being 3 years, 6 months and 2 days.

Black-headed Gull  -    2AKJ   -  Belfast Harbour Estate, Belfast  (25 Dec 2018)

(Ringed as a Chick, on the 23rd June 2015, at the Castle Espie Wetland Centre, Co. Down)

The second 'colour-ringed' Black-headed Gull, to touch down, had a 'White Darvic'.  I thought this one could be the Polish - (White) THR7, which I recorded nearby, on the 18th November 2018, or possibly another Norwegian bird.  On taking photos, I was surprised to see that the starting letter of the code began with a 'V', something I've never encountered before, so I hadn't a clue, from where it had come.

 

Ringed (White) VX18, I checked it up on the cr-birding website, on returning home.  It turns out, that this was a Danish bird, and I've now sent an email to Kjeld Tommy Pederson.  (White) VX18, is only the second Danish BHG, on my records, the other being (White) 5HA, which is currently at Whitehead in County Antrim.  The ring of (White) VX18, looks to be in very good condition, so it might have been ringed earlier this year.

Black-headed Gull  -  (White)  VX18  -  Belfast Harbour Estate, Belfast  (25 Dec 2018)

(Waiting on the Ringing Details)

Leaving the Belfast Harbour Estate, I had to drive round to reach the lake at Victoria Park, although it was across the river from where I had been parked.

I arrived at the car park, just before 12.30, and immediately spotted a Black-headed Gull, with a 'White Darvic'.  It was standing on the footbridge, along with other BHGs.  Camera out, I zoomed across, to realise, I just just spotted the Dutch (White) EAK9, again.  I had spotted (White) EAK9, earlier this morning at the Connswater Shopping Centre.

Having not seen this bird in two years, I've recorded it twice on the same day.  Victoria Park, is (White) EAK9's other favoured haunt.

Black-headed Gull  -  (White)  EAK9  -  Victoria Park, Belfast  (25 Dec 2018)

(Seen Earlier Today, at Connswater Shopping Centre  (see above))

Throwing out bits of bread, I was on the lookout for a 'metal-ringed' BHG.  This was a bird, that I've recorded here at least once every winter since 2015/2016.  It didn't take long for   EL97734 , to land almost beside me (yes, I was out of the car for a change!!).

In no time at all, I took enough photos, to confirm the 'metal'.    EL97734 , was ringed as a chick, at Downholme, in North Yorkshire, England.  The duration, since being ringed on the 12th June 2007, is now 11 years, 6 months and 13 days.  The distance from Downholme to Victoria Park, is 265 kms / 164 miles (W).

 

This was my sixth record of the gull at the park, the previous five dates were :- Nov 2015, Dec 2015, Dec 2016, Nov 2017 & Dec 2017.  I was very tempted to catch and colour-ring this gull, as it comes so close, you could nearly 'sit on it's back'.  I'd probably be better, having permissions in place, before any attempt at ringing here.

Black-headed Gull  -    EL97734   -  Victoria Park, Belfast  (25 Dec 2018)

(Ringed as a Chick, on the 12th June 2007, at Downholme, North Yorkshire, England)

Whilst I was busy, photographing the ring of   EL97734 , another BHG, with an 'Orange Darvic', landed nearby.  Swinging the camera around, I captured the code -   2AJV .  I knew, I had seen this bird before, though it had been a while.

Returning home, I checked my spreadsheet, to discover, that I had last seen this gull, on Christmas Day, in 2016, here at Victoria Park.  This, now my fourth sighting of   2AJV , here at Victoria Park, I first came across it, on the 14th November 2015.    2AJV , had been ringed as a chick, on the 19th June 2014, at the Castle Espie Wetland Centre, in County Down.

 

The distance from Castle Espie, to Victoria Park, is again, roughly 14 kms / 9 miles (NW), the duration now being 4 years, 6 months and 6 days.

Black-headed Gull  -    2AJV   -  Victoria Park, Belfast  (25 Dec 2018)

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

My penultimate stop of the day was at the Dargan Industrial Estate, where a couple of weeks ago, I recorded three 'colour-ringed' Black-headed Gulls.  A fairly large group of gulls rested on the barren land, which once formed part of a landfill site here.  I scoped these several times, before heading off to the beach at Kinnegar.

In between times, I also checked the gulls at the Waste Transfer Station, eventually spotting an immature Great Black-backed Gull, with a 'colour-ring'.  Zooming through the fence with my camera, I easily captured the code (White) 1L8:C, on a 'White Darvic'.  I immediately knew by the letter 'C', that this gull would have been ringed, most probably as a chick, by The Clyde Ringing Group, in Scotland.

 

I have emailed, Iain Livingstone - the Group's Ringing Secretary, for the birds ringing details.  Off hand, I'd guess that (White) 1L8:C, was either ringed on Horse Isle or Lady's Isle, in Ayrshire, Scotland.

Great Black-backed Gull  -  (White) 1L8:C  -  Dargan Industrial Estate, Belfast  (25 Dec 2018)

(Waiting on the Ringing Details)

Finally, with the afternoon, quickly disappearing, I arrived at Kinnegar Beach.  My aim, was to sort out a Bar-tailed Godwit, and I needed to see and photograph both legs, to either confirm a re-sighting or possibly a new bird entirely.

With the tide quickly receding, around 100 to 120 Bar-tailed Godwits, had arrived, but at first, I could not see the bird that I was after.  Scoping through the other gulls and waders, I eventually spotted another one of Adam's Black-headed Gulls -   2CCJ .  I knew straight away, this was a new sighting for me, which was confirmed after checking my spreadsheet at home.

As Adam, has not been responding to emails, I'll report this bird to the BTO, through my DemOn account.  Checking through my records though, I have a   2CCH   and   2CCP , so   2CCJ , would have been ringed on the same date and the same location, as the afforementioned birds.

 

Therefore,  2CCJ , was ringed on the 24th June 2016, at the Castle Espie Wetland Centre, in County Down.  Strange to think, that today's three sightings of Adam's gulls, all have the letter '  J ' in their codes, and all were ringed at Castle Espie.  Once again, I suspect, that this could be a first re-sighting since being ringed.

Black-headed Gull  -    2CCJ   -  Kinnegar Beach, Holywood, Co. Down  (25 Dec 2018)

(Ringed as a Chick, on the 24th June 2016, at the Castle Espie Wetland Centre, Co. Down)

With the tide now well out, I had begun to despair, whether or not, I would spot the 'colour-ringed' Godwit.  As some of the Godwits, started to move around, there was my bird with the 'Yellow Rings'.  Not only that, it had 'colour-rings', on the other leg as well.  Zooming in with my camera, I could see 'White over Blue', on the birds left leg.

That confirmed it, this was the very same bird, that I had spotted here on the 4th March 2018.  I have emailed Job ten Horn, reporting my latest sighting, also citing that the 'Red Flag', which used to sit in between the two 'Yellow Rings', has now completely gone.  It will be interesting to see if this bird has been reported elsewhere since I last saw it.

Ringed on the 3rd September 2008, on a Polder, on the Wadden Sea, in north-west Holland, only three sightings, other than mine here at Kinnegar, have been reported.  In September 2008, and in May 2011, the Godwit, was spotted at two different locations, around the Wadden Sea, both not far from the ringing site.  In December 2015, WB-YRfY, turned up, on the north-west shore, of Bank d'Arguin National Park, in Mauritania.

Bar-tailed Godwit  -  WB-YRfY  -  Kinnegar Beach, Holywood, Co. Down  (25 Dec 2018)

(Ringed as an Adult Male, on the 3rd September 2008, at Terschelling, Strieper Polder, Holland)

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Christmas Greetings...

Wishing all my readers around the World & in Northern Ireland, a very Merry Christmas and New Year.

Whilst everyone is enjoying the day, I'll be in Belfast, on my annual visit to the Connswater Shopping Centre.  The things you do, just to record one gull in particular - a Norwegian Black-headed Gull - (White) J4TJ.  Should I get it, this will be, for the fourth Christmas in a row.  Last year, a second Norwegian BHG, turned up - (White) J2UP.  It will be interesting to see if it also returns.

My next post, will not be published till Thursday, or most likely Friday.  It will feature, a few new ring sightings, as well as a couple of re-sightings and my latest visit to Antrim Marina.

Enjoy your day.

Gareth.

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Another Diapointing Visit...

As I failed to get to both Castle Espie & Millisle, last weekend, I had decided to visit these sites on Saturday past, but ended up staying at home.  Due to Storm Deirdre, passing through the British Isles, it was better staying indoors.  As southern England and Wales, saw a lot of rain along with the gales, northern England and Scotland, experienced snow.  Here in Northern Ireland, the cloud was so thick, and the rain fell so heavy, that the lights at home, were switched on by early afternoon.

With the storm out of the way, Sunday by comparison, was calm and at times the sun shone through.  I could have done, with using the day to visit sites other than Antrim Marina.  However, I wanted a visit at the Marina, free of the workmen, working on the new cafe and the dredging operations, which are ongoing.  I had hoped, to see an increase, in Black-headed Gull numbers, before driving down to Lurgan Park, and a quick visit to Kinnegar Beach, in Belfast, before dark.

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Antrim Marina - Sunday 16th December 2018

Arriving at Antrim Marina, just after 09.15 this morning, it was fairly calm, with the sun shining through broken cloud and the temperature read 3.5°C.  Around 50 to 60 Black-headed Gulls, were present, and as I got out of my car. Allowing myself access through the barrier, they gulls began to fly towards me, calling, as if to say, there's Gary.

Driving to the area of the slipway, the gulls started to land around me, and the 'Ring Reading' began.  My winter re-sighting list, stood at 30 individuals, and having caught and ringed 3 new birds over the last couple of weeks, I was on the lookout for 33 'colour-ringed' gulls altogether.

By 10am, I had recorded 15 rings, but after this, only another 6 rings were recorded by 11.43.  By 12.30, very few gulls remained, so I decided to call it a day, with just 21 rings read.  The maximum number of Black-headed Gulls, may have just touched the 100 mark, whereas in other winters, I would have expected to see at least double that total, perhaps, even as many as 250 gulls on a Sunday.

It has been several weeks, since I last conducted a Sunday visit, but one thing that did strike me, was the lack of folk coming along to feed the birds here, usually the ducks.  At this time of the year, the gulls really rely on these handouts, but it seems that the environment around the Marina, might just be putting people off.

I tried to catch one or two more Black-headed Gulls, to be ringed, but they were not 'playing ball'.  One lady I was talking to, stated how disappointed she was, as she has noticed the fall in the number of ducks, swans and gulls, at the Marina.  'Nature always suffers, at the hands of people, and another 'niche', here at the Marina, has been spoiled, possibly forever'.  How right, she possibly is, and this does not make my task, any easier either.

Among, the gulls I recorded today, were a couple of birds, that had been absent, during my recent visits.  There's no doubt, that many of these gulls are still visiting, but now more infrequently.  I cannot be here all the time, and one or two gulls, which I have been expecting to record for the first time this winter, may have already returned, but have gone unrecorded so far.

All in all, another disappointing visit, despite it being Sunday.

Colour-ringed Black-headed Gulls at Antrim Marina, on Sunday 16th December 2018

2ADV	2AAR	2CSX	2BRA	2CSJ	2CJT	2CSR
2ABK	2CSV	2AAK	2ABF	2CSK	2CSF	2CSL
2CSA	2ABS	2CSB	2ADJ	2AAP	2ACV	2AAT

Today's Absentees

T35J	2AAA	2ABN	2AAB	2AAN	2ABL
2AAV	2BRD	2ANS	2CSH	2CSS	2CTA

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Lurgan Park, Co. Armagh

On leaving Antrim Marina, I forsook the other three sites around Antrim Town and headed off the Lurgan, in County Armagh.  Arriving at Lurgan park, at least 200+ Black-headed Gulls, were present.  Here, the gulls were 'in your face', and I could have caught and ringed several birds here, but unfortunately, I have no permissions from the local Council. 

I was especially on the lookout for two foreign 'colour-ringed' BHGs, which should have returned by now.  I know Suzanne Belshaw, has undertook some visits to the park here, but she has not seen either bird as yet.  One of the Black-headed Gulls, is from Norway, the other from Poland.

I happened to notice, one BHG, with just a 'metal-ring', but before I could switch the camera on, a lady passing by with a dog, scared the gulls off, onto the lake.  Having checked most gulls present, for rings, I could not relocate the 'metal-rung' gull again.  Spending the best part of an hour here, no more rings were seen, so it was off to Belfast, before the afternoon disappeared completely.

Kinnegar Beach, Co. Down

Arriving at Kinnegar Beach, situated on the southern side of Belfast Lough, the tide was well on it's way in, and loads of gulls and waders, were gently being pushed towards me.  Of special interest, was a number of Bar-tailed Godwits, and I had hoped to spot the 'colour-ringed' bird, that I saw on the nearby pond, last Sunday.  Unfortunately, it was not here, but I'll keep my fingers crossed for another day.

Among the Godwits, Dunlins and Knots, were also feeding along the shoreline.  One 'colour ringed' Knot, was spotted.  Through my telescope, I could see a single 'Yellow' ring above the right knee, with a 'Yellow Flag', below the knee.  Not sure, whether these were the only 'colour-rings', I tried to track the bird with my camera, with little success.  The birds, were foraging so fast, that my target kept disappearing from view.  Every now and again, all these small waders would take flight, before landing again on another part of the beach.

I tried to follow my target for ages, before the group of 50 to 60 Knots, eventually flew inland to the pond.  Here, huddled together, in a tight group, surrounded by Black-headed Gulls, I could not find the 'colour-ringed' bird.

Despite scoping hundreds of gulls and waders, especially Oystercatchers, which easily numbered 350 to 400 hundred birds, no more 'colour-rings' could be found.  'Metals', were noted on two Common Gulls, one Herring Gull, one Black-headed Gull and one Oystercatcher.  Due to the distance involved, I had no hope of reading these.

As night began to fall, the tide was well up, and the birds were by now, so close.  Even using the binoculars, it became increasing hard to check legs for 'colour-rings', but I had to leave Kinnegar, 'empty handed'.

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Win Some, Loose Some...

Once again, I did not get out on Saturday.  Perhaps it was just as well, as it rained for most of the afternoon, and the available light was very poor.  Instead, I did some work on my spreadsheet, and then settled down to watch my favourite football team - Chelsea, who managed to beat Manchester City, a result, which I think, would have surprised many.

Sunday, was a brilliant day, with plenty of sunshine, albeit, slightly on the chilly side.  My plan, was to visit sites around Belfast, before moving on to Castle Espie and Millisle, in County Down.

County Down, 'flew out of the window', upon reaching the beach at Kinnegar.  Two birds especially caught my attention, but after a prolonged visit, I failed to capture the ring details for both birds.  Before Kinnegar, I had recorded a few new ring sightings, but barring a Cormorant, the others were no strangers to Northern Ireland.

Despite, the pluses and minuses, my visit around Belfast Lough, was quite rewarding.  I'll try County Down next Saturday, if possible.

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Antrim Marina - Monday 10th December 2018

Judging by the report from Graham McElwaine, via his last email, I was not looking forwards to today's visit to Antrim Marina.  Arriving, just before 09.20, it was an overcast morning, with practically no wind, and the temperature read 3°C.  Pulling up at the barrier, which allows access to the Marina, I could see that the workmen very already busy, with their dredging operations.

Two barges, were in operation, moving out and back, from a digger, which sat on a pontoon, close to the breakwater, which separates Lough Neagh, from the river which flows past the Marina.  The barges, would moor alongside the low wooden jetty, and the silt would be unloaded by another digger, onto a lorry.

As can be seen in my photos, my working area to observe the birds at the Marina, is now seriously hampered, and all of the disturbance from this, and the works on building the new cafe, is having a detrimental effect on the birdlife.

The Dredging Operations in Progress

The number of Black-headed Gulls, which did visit the Marina, varied between, 60 to 80 birds at max.  Judging by the ring numbers that were recorded, some gulls were quickly coming and going.

Having caught and ringed, two juvenile Black-headed Gulls, a week ago, I was on the lookout for 32 'colour-ringed' birds altogether today.  By 10.24, I had re-sighted 18 of these, which also included the two youngsters   2CSV   &   2CSX , ringed last Monday.

1st Winter Black-headed Gulls  -    2CSV   &    2CSX   -  Antrim Marina, Co. Antrim  (10 Dec 2018)

(Both Ringed last Monday, 3rd December 2018, at Antrim Marina)

From 10.45, until 12.00, not a single gull remained at the Marina, so I called it a day and moved on.  Two of the absentees, were spotted, afterwards, at other sites around Antrim Town.  All of this disturbance is causing me serious problems, whilst trying to study the gulls here.

I'm currently waiting on the re-sightings of three other Black-headed Gulls, at present, but I don't stand a chance now.  It would have been far wiser, if the building and dredging operations, had been undertaken during the summer months, whilst the birds were away breeding, and not at this time of the year, when the birds are looking for easy meals.

This coming weekend, I will undertake my weekly visit on Sunday.  Perhaps, I'll have better luck, as the workmen will be off for the weekend.

Despite the lack of gulls, I did manage to catch and ring another Black-headed Gull.  This second winter bird, has been fitted with   2CTA , which means the winter total, now rises to 33 'colour-ringed' BHGs.

Colour-ringed Black-headed Gulls, at Antrim Marina, on Monday 10th December 2018

2AAK	2AAT	2ADJ	2CSK	2CSA	2ABK	2CSJ	2CJT	2BRA
2CSX	2AAP	2CSV	2CSF	2AAR	T35J	2CSR	2ABN	2AAN

Today's Absentees

2AAA	2ABS	2AAB	2ABL	2ABF	2AAV	2ACV
2ADV	2BRD	2ANS	2CSB	2CSH	2CSL	2CSS

Other Birds at Antrim Marina

Other birds, were practically non existent today.  Even the normally tolerant Mallards, appear to be put off with all of the activity.  29 ducks counted on my arrival, increased in numbers, by just 4 birds, by the time I gave up at noon.  Looking at the water on the slipway, there is a slight film of diesel oil, which no doubt, is being leaked from the machinery being used.

The Mute Swan,   W34158 , was present throughout my visit and not one other swan was spotted, even out on the Lough.

Two adult Common Gulls, and the sub-adult Herring Gull, made brief appearances.  They too, were put off by all of the activity.

The only other species noted, were a single Hooded Crow and a male Pied Wagtail.  For the first time ever, not a single Jackdaw, was to be seen.

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Antrim's Elim Church, KFC Outlet & Baptist Church

Leaving the Marina, I had a look at the other three sites, around Antrim Town.  Stopping first at the Elim Church, around 20 BHGs, were attracted to my offering of bread.  One of these was   2AAV , who did not appear at the Marina today.  There was no sign of the Finnish BHG, which bears a 'metal-ring'.

Moving on to the car park of the nearby KFC outlet, just 6 Black-headed Gulls were present, but no rings here.

Finishing off my visit to Antrim, another two rings were spotted at the Baptist Church.  One of these, was   2AAB , who wasn't at the Marina today.  The other, a 'metal-rung' bird, quickly flew off, before I could get close ups of the ring.  On the one photo I did take, I could see, that the number began with the letters '  EW '.

I reckon, this is   EW39319 , a bird I recorded here on three occasions last winter.  Ringed as a chick in 2009, in Scotland, hopefully I'll confirm the number on a later date.

Black-headed Gull  -    EW*****   -  Antrim Baptist Church, Antrim Town, Co. Antrim  (10 Dec 2018)

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Ringing Details Received

Calum Campbell, of the Grampian Ringing Group, in Scotland, has contacted me recently.  Offering his apologies, he has been working out in Saudi Arabia.  Calum, gave me updates, on two of the Group's gulls, which I have recorded this winter.

Common Gull -   2VDT , was ringed as an un-sexed adult, on the 26th August 2017, on the Ythan Estuary, in Aberdeenshire, Scotland.  On February 18th, this year, I made the first re-sighting, when I spotted the gull, on Kinnegar Beach, County Down.  I recorded the gull again at Kinnegar Beach, on the 10th November 2018, which is now it's second re-sighting.

Black-headed Gull -   2BT3 , was among the 'monster' haul of rings, that I recorded, on the 4th November 2018, at Millquarter Bay, on Strangford Lough.  It happens, that   2BT3 , is no stranger to Millquarter Bay, as David Nixon, also recorded the gull there, on the 23rd November 2016.

Ringed as an un-sexed adult, on the 26th August 2016, on the Ythan Estuary, in Aberdeenshire, it was re-sighted twice this summer (July & August 2018), back on the Ythan Estuary.  These four records, completes   2BT3 's re-sighting history.

My thanks to Calum, for getting back to me as promised.

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Sunday 9th December 2018

My plan today, was to visit sites around Belfast Lough, before moving on to Castle Espie and Millisle, in County Down.  As things panned out, I never left Belfast Lough, having recorded several rings.

My first stop of the day, was at Whiteabbey.  Parking in the car park, I did what I would always do when I arrive here.  I scope the remnants, of the Old Whiteabbey Pier, a favourite resting spot for Cormorants.  Back in November 2015, I spotted a Scottish-rung Cormorant - (White) JJZ, on this very same pier.

Today, I struck lucky once again, as I could see a 'White Darvic'.  Zooming in with my camera, I quickly captured the code - (White) B7J.  Checking up the bird, on the 'cr-birding site', this Cormorant, is from the Republic of Ireland.  I have emailed Tom Kealy, and now await on his reply.

Cormorant  -  (White)  B7J  -  The Old Whiteabbey Pier, Belfast Lough, Co. Antrim  (09 Dec 2018)

(Waiting on the Ringing Details)

With it being almost high tide, I walked along the footpath towards the Loughshore Park, at Jordanstown.  Here, I encountered three groups of Dunlins, resting at the base of the sea wall and rocky shoreline.  Peering at these through my binoculars, many were standing on the one leg, but a few of them bore tall 'metal-rings', which meant that they were probably foreign.

I eventually fell in with one Dunlin, that was 'colour-ringed', - (White) RJ9.  Just last week, Suzanne Belshaw, made reference to her Dunlin sighting at Whiteabbey, when we met each other at Antrim Marina.

Returning home on Saturday evening, I checked my spreadsheet, and RJ9, was the very same bird spotted by Suzanne, here, on the 24th January 2018.  I reported my sighting, onto the live 'Polish Ringing Databse', and received a reply on Tuesday afternoon.

Ringed as an un-sexed 2nd year bird, just east of Gdańsk, in Poland, our sightings, are the only reports that have been recorded so far.  Ringed on the 13th July 2016, RJ9, has travelled 1,594 kms / 990 miles (W), to reach Whiteabbey.  This Dunlin, was also my first recording of a ringed bird, of this species.

Dunlin  -  (White)  RJ9  -  Whiteabbey Shoreline, Whiteabbey, Belfast Lough  (09 Dec 2018)

(Ringed as an Un-Sexed 2nd Calendar Year Bird, on the 13th July 2016, near Gdańsk, Poland)

Leaving Whiteabbey, I made a quick stop to Whitehouse Lagoon.  The Lagoon, by now was fairly full, due to the incoming tide, but very few gulls or waders were present.

I then made my way to the Industrial Estate at Dargan.  A large number of gulls, were resting on a section of barren land, on this former wastefill site.  The Belfast Waste Transfer Station, is situated close by, the roof of which, is a favourite resting place for the gulls.  However, a couple of men, were carrying out work on the roof, which would explain why so many gulls were resting here.

Scoping through the gulls, which were a good distance away, I spotted a 'Green Darvic', on a Black-headed Gull.  Camera out, I quickly captured the code -   J08K .  This is my second sighting of the Norwegian   J08K , this winter, having spotted it at the Castle Espie Wetland Centre in County Down (11th Nov).

I first fell in with this gull last winter, having discovered it in the grounds of the Waste Transfer Station, here at Dargan.  In my blog entry in November, I asked the question - would it return to Dargan by Christmas, and today's sighting has answered that.

Black-headed Gull  -  Norway    J08K   -  Dargan Industrial Estate, Belfast  (09 Dec 2018)

(Ringed as an Adult Male, on the 3rd April 2015, at Nærbøparken, Hå, Rogaland, Norway) 

I continued to scope through the gulls, then noticed another Black-headed Gull, this time with an 'Orange Darvic'.  Knowing this was one of Adam's Study birds, it laid down, as I was zooming in with the camera.  I then continued scoping through the gulls, and next spotted a 'White Darvic', on a third Black-headed Gull.

Ringed - (White) E6HA, this bird was another new sighting for me.  Returning home, I looked up the code, on the cr-birding site, to find that this gull was from Holland, and this became my second ever sighting of a Dutch BHG.  I emailed Frank Majoor, who replied later in the evening, attaching the gull's re-sighting history.

As it turns out, (White) E6HA, was no stranger to Dargan.  On the 17th September 2014, Adam McClure, recorded the gull here (read), which happened to be it's last re-sighting until today.  Has this bird, slipped 'under the radar', every winter, around Belfast?

(White) E6HA, was ringed as an adult male, on the 1st July 2010, at Harlingen, in (NW) Holland.  It was subsequently spotted twice in that same month, and the only other sightings since, have been made by Adam, and now myself.

Black-headed Gull  -  Holland  (White)  E6HA  -  Dargan Industrial Estate, Belfast  (09 Dec 2018)

(Ringed as an Adult Male, on the 1st July 2010, at Harlingen, Friesland, Holland)

With two Black-headed Gulls sorted, I now waited on Adam's gull to get back onto it's feet.  I didn't have too long to wait, and then captured the code   2AJF .  At the time, I thought that this was another new sighting, as I couldn't place the code.

On checking my spreadsheet, back at home, I had recorded this bird, on one other occasion.  Ringed as a chick, in June 2014, the first ever re-sighting, was recorded by me, on the 12th May 2018.  Having been ringed at Castle Espie, in County Down, I discovered it breeding, on one of nesting platforms, at the RSPB's Window on Wildlife Reserve, a short distance away, from where I got the gull today.

As Adam, is still not responding to emails, I can only assume, that today's sighting, is the bird's second record.

Black-headed Gull  -    2AJF   -  Dargan Industrial Estate, Belfast  (09 Dec 2018)

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

My final confirmed ring sighting of the day, was at Kinnegar Beach, on the County Down side of Belfast Lough.  Having spent more time here than I had planned, three other 'ringed' birds, had eluded me (read below), before I spotted another one of Adam's study birds.

I recognised the code on this Black-headed Gull -   2ASA , but could not place it.  Again, checking my spreadsheet, I had recorded   2ASA , twice in May 2018, breeding at the Castle Espie Wetland Centre, in County Down.

  2ASA , had been ringed as a chick, on the 19th June 2013, on Mew Island, one of the Copeland Islands, also in County Down.  After fledging,   2ASA , was spotted by Cameron Moore, in July 2013, at Whitehead, in County Antrim.  The gull re-surfaced a year later (July 2014), when it was first seen at the Castle Espie, followed by a second sighting there in September 2014.

Those sightings, were made, before   2ASA , had reached breeding age, but obviously,   2ASA , had chosen Castle Espie, for it's future breeding site.  Having reached breeding age, it was spotted in April 2016, and April 2017, at the Wetland Centre.  The only other 'winter record', of   2ASA , before today, was made in February 2018, when it was seen at the Billy Neill Soccer Centre, not too far from Castle Espie.

Black-headed Gull  -    2ASA   -  Kinnegar Beach, Co. Down  (09 Dec 2018)

(Ringed as a Chick, on the 19th June 2013, on Mew Island, The Copeland Islands, Co. Down)

Three that got Away...

Also at Kinnegar, three 'colour-ringed' birds, eluded me.  The first of these, was a Bar-tailed Godwit.  I spent an eternity, trying to catch the ring combination of this one, which I suspected was a bird, that I spotted in the area earlier this year, having been ringed in Holland.

Roosting, with other Godwits and Oystercatchers, on Kinnegar Pond, they have a hateful habit of standing on one leg.  The Pond is situated, just across the private road, from Kinnegar Beach, where they were waiting for the tide to go out.

Although, it was fairly far from me, my camera easily captured Yellow over Yellow, below the knee joint, and the 'metal-ring', just above the knee, on the birds right leg.  I now needed the Godwit, to show it's left leg, which never happened.  Every now and again, it did move, but just hopped along on the one leg.

The wait was very frustrating, and having spent a good hour and a half waiting, I lost the Godwit completely, among all the other birds present.  With the tide starting to recede, I gave up all hope and headed towards the shore.

On returning home, I checked up on the Godwit, I had recorded here, earlier this year.  That particular bird, was rung White over Blue, on the left leg, and Yellow, over a Red Flag, over Yellow, on the right leg.  However, the Red Flag, was barely visible between the two Yellow rings, as it had broke.

I strongly believe, that today's sighting, was of the same bird, and the remnants of the Red Flag, has now completely fallen off.  Hopefully, this Godwit, will remain in the area, and I can try again on another day.

Bar-tailed Godwit  -  Kinnegar Pond, Co. Down  (09 Dec 2018) and on Kinnegr Beach  (04 Mar 2018)

Also on Kinnegar Pond, I spotted an Oystercatcher, which also stood on the one leg.  Ringed - White(NC), on it's left leg, this one, was most likely to be Red/Red-White(NC), which was a new sighting for me, when I spotted it on Kinnegar Beach, on the 10th November 2018.  If it is the same bird, it was ringed in May 2017, as a breeding adult in south-west Iceland.

Oystercatcher  -  ??-W(NC)  -  Kinnegar Pond, Kinnegar Beach, Co. Down  (09 Dec 2018)

The third bird to elude me, was a Common Gull, spotted on Kinnegar Beach, whilst the tide was well on it's way out.  There were a good number of Common's arriving, and several, were spotted with just 'metals'.  One bird caught my eye, which was standing on it's left leg, which also bore a 'metal-ring'.  I was suspicious about this bird, and had a feeling that it was a foreign gull.

Having a good rest, with it's head, tucked into it's back, I locked my telescope onto the gull and waited.  Eventually, it started to preen itself, but continued to stand on the one leg.  Thinking it would soon drop the right leg, I zoomed in with my camera.  It lowered the right leg slightly, revealing a 'White Darvic', then retracted the leg and went into another snooze.

I reckoned, that this was a Norwegian bird, so I was very keen on trying to ascertain the code on the ring.  With my telescope still locked onto the gull, I scanned through the other gulls with my binoculars, eventually spotting one of Adam's Black-headed Gulls -   2ASA .

A good 20 to 30 minutes passed by, and my Common Gull hadn't budged.  The inevitable then happened.  A women came along the beach, with her two dogs, scaring all the gulls away into the distance.  To my dismay, I couldn't relocate the gull again.

Common Gull  -  White ????  -  Kinnegar Beach, Co. Down  (09 Dec 2018)

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