Eagles Ahoy...

This post covers the main events as far as ring reading is concerned, since my previous post.  I've held off from publishing the post earlier this week, as I was awaiting a few recoveries from the BTO.  These have not arrived, so they'll be added on my nest post.  Over the next month, I will be quite busy, not only 'Ring Reading', but this year's Common Gull chicks, should be ready for ringing in mid June.

To help me, I have already booked six days off work, which along with Saturday's and Sunday's, gives a total of ten days to ring, but good weather conditions have to be taken into consideration as well.  News came in from Jim Wells, last night.  On Wednesday 26th June, we will be returning to the islands of Islay & Jura, in Scotland, to obtain head counts of the eagle chicks, in the two nests observed recently (report below).

Also of late, I have been working on, and updating my spreadsheet.  I am still working slowly, but surely, through data from Shane Wolsey's former Common Gull project on the Copeland Islands.  None of his re-sightings, were ever submitted to the BTO, which I'm now trying to correct.  Some folk, will get an unexpected, and much delayed, recovery report from the BTO, as I report these birds.

Whilst sifting through Shane's ringing records, comparing them to the BTO Ringing Totals (by year and county), for some reason, I discovered that birds that I had ringed personally, were not included.  I have had to spend time, checking all of my ringing data, and submitting the details through DemOn.

As we slowly approach my seventh winter of 'Ring Reading', the data that I've collected, leads to a near full time job trying to keep up to date.  I have received plaudits, concerning my efforts, as several hundred of our 'Ringed' visitors, would otherwise, have gone un-recorded.  Also, I'm slowly gathering an army of other birdwatchers, who are sending me their ring sightings for inclusion on my blog.  I'm happy to oblige, as these present a 'hard copy', of their records, and greatly enhances our knowledge of birds here in Northern Ireland.

I often wish, that there was some kind of funding available for what I do.  Not only could I spend more time in the field, I would have more time for blogging as well, with expenses being covered in the process.  All in all, I reckon the results, have been well worth the effort, and yet, there is still lots more to come.

_______________________________________________________________

From Suzanne Belshaw

A rather belated email arrived from Suzanne Belshaw, who spotted Common Gull -   2ACJ , on the 22nd April 2019, at Donaghadee, in County Down.  This is only the 5th sighting of    2ACJ , since it was ringed as a breeding adult, in May 2010.  It was ringed by Shane Wolsey, who began a Common Gull ringing project in 2009, but gave it up in 2014.  I took over the project, in April 2017.

The first re-sighting of   2ACJ , since it was ringed, occurred in December 2016, when I recorded it on Kinnegar Beach, on the southern shore of Belfast Lough.  The only other 'winter record' of   2ACJ , was again at Kinnegar Beach, in November 2018.  At present, it seems as if   2ACJ , remains locally in County Down, during the winter months.

As well as Suzanne's recent re-sighting at Donaghadee, I also recorded the gull twice here in 2017 (14th & 30th July).  It's good to see that this gull is alive and well, and it will be nine years next month since   2ACJ , was ringed.

My thanks goes to Suzanne for her latest report, and the photo provided.  A copy of the ringing and re-sighting history of   2ACJ , can be read (here).

Common Gull  -    2ACJ   -  Donaghadee, Co. Down  (22 Apr 2019)

(Ringed as an Un-Sexed Breeding Adult, on the 14th May 2010, on Big Copeland Island, Co. Down)

(Photo Courtesy of Suzanne Belshaw)

*****************************

From Kevin Kirkham-Brown

Nearly every evening I check out the NIBA website, for local birdwatching news and sightings.  On one such evening, I discovered a photo of one of my 'colour-ringed' Common Gulls, which was submitted by Kevin Kirkham-Brown.  The caption gave -   2BAJ , but no details of where the gull had been spotted.  I sent an email to the lads at the NIBA, requesting Kevin's email address, or ask Kevin to contact me, as this was another of my Rathlin Island Common Gulls.

Kevin, kindly replied, to say that he had spotted   2BAJ , at Ushet Lough, on Rathlin, on the 21st May 2019.  Kevin's bird, is the latest in a series of sightings, concerning the return to the island, of birds that had been ringed as chicks in June 2017.  Ringed on the 24th June 2017, at Rue Point, the only previous sighting of   2BAJ , occurred on the 17th March 2019.  Jan Rod, spotted the gull at Laytown, in Co. Meath, in the Republic of Ireland - 176 kms / 109 miles (S).

Kevin's report, was backed up by Ric Else, who also spotted   2BAJ  , at Ushet Lough, on the 23rd May.  There's no doubt, others from the 2017 cohort, are yet to be recorded, but the signs are good, that from the summer of 2020 onwards, many returnees will integrate into the breeding population here on Rathlin.

My thanks goes to Kevin Kirkham-Brown and Ric Else, for reporting their sightings, plus contributing photos.

Common Gull  -    2BAJ   -  Ushet Lough, Rathlin Island, Co. Antrim  (21 May 2019)

(Ringed as a Chick, on the 24th June 2017, at Rue Point, Rathlin Island)

(Photo Courtesy of Kevin Kirkham-Brown)

******************************

A Trip to the Scottish Islands of Jura and Islay

On Wednesday 22nd May 2019, I joined a boat trip, which was organised by Jim Wells.  Initially, the trip was to re-visit the island of Islay, in Scotland, which had been visited two days earlier.  As there were not enough places available, the second outing was arranged, but several folk enquired about the island of Jura instead.

As I'd been to Islay, last March, I was keen on going to Jura, and duly booked my seat, so long as that would be the destination.  Jura was elected, with the hope of seeing White-tailed Sea Eagles, but we got an unexpected surprise.  On the return journey, we would stop by the island of Islay, to visit a Golden Eagle nest, which was spotted on Monday's trip.

Arriving at Jura, the aim was to re-visit two known Sea Eagle sites, which had been recorded over the past couple of years, during other boat trips organised by Jim.  At the first site, we came up blank, and then went to the second site.  A nest at the second site, which was successfully used two years ago, was not in use, and the eagles did not breed here last year.

Everyone, scanned the plantation, situated by the shore, looking for a nest, when eventually, a white-washed nest was spotted.  Although, higher up, and further into the plantation, a chick was seen a short time later and cameras went into overdrive.  Checking my photos back at home, I was a little bemused to discover that I had not captured the chick.  Ginny McKee, has saved the day, as she has kindly allowed me to use her photo of the nest and chick.

Some reckoned, that there were two chicks in this nest, but that question will be answered around a month's time, when a return trip will be organised.  Although, the Isle of Jura, is only 65 kms / 40 miles, to the north of Northern Ireland, these are our closest nesting Sea Eagles, as they do not breed here as yet.  A re-introduction programme, based in County Kerry, in the Republic of Ireland, are seeing breeding pairs, edging slowly towards us from the south.

White-tailed Sea Eagle Chick, on it's Nest, on the Island of Jura, Scotland  (22 May 2019)

(Photo Courtesy of Ginny McKee)

Having found the nest, with it's chick or chicks, we had to wait for quite a while, before the adults appeared.  Once one arrived, the other appeared as well, having been hidden within the canopy in the plantation.  I'm not one for seeking rarities, as I'm only interested in nesting birds and ring reading, but here, I was able to tick off both, a rarity and an occupied nest.

Adult White-tailed Sea Eagle, on the Island of Jura, Scotland  (22 May 2019)

On our way back, we stopped by the Golden Eagle nest, on a sea cliff on the island of Islay.  As with the Sea Eagles earlier, they were not a bit bothered by our presence in the boat.  The jury, is still out, whether this pair have or have not got any chicks, but this will also be answered on a later date.  The trip was well worth the effort, as we were awarded great views of both pairs of eagles, plus the two nests as well.

This was not my first nest for Golden Eagles, as I came across one on the Isle of Arran, in Scotland, back in the 1980's.  Just a couple of years ago, I recorded a pair of Golden Eagles, here, in our own County Antrim hills.  I've often wondered, what happened to that pair, which comprised of an adult male, and an immature female.  No-one, ever got around to following up my sighting (blog).

Golden Eagle on Nest, on the Island of Islay, Scotland  (22 May 2019)

******************************

Ringing Details

A ringing recovery, of a 'metal-rung' Herring Gull, which I spotted at Whitehead beach, back in March, has finally arrived from the BTO.  The bird concerned -   GK57597 , was not on their system, so they had to contact the ringer for the gull's details.

The ringer, whom I'll not name, ringed the bird as a chick, on the 26th June 2012, on the Isle of Muck, in County Antrim, 12 kms / 7 miles, to the north of Whitehead.  In the BTO's 'Ringers Manuel', a word of caution is used, about ringing the chicks of Herring and Lesser Black-backed Gulls.  The reason being, they look almost identical at that young age.

  GK57597 , was mistakenly ringed as a Lesser Black-backed Gull chick, and my photo clearly shows that bird to be a Herring Gull.  My sighting, was the first record of the gull since it was ringed, the duration as of the 17th March 2019, being 6 years, 8 months and 19 days.  

Herring Gull  -    GK57597   -  Whitehead Seafront, Co. Antrim  (17 Mar 2019)

(Ringed as a Lesser Black-backed Gull Chick, on the 26th June 2012, on the Isle of Muck, Co. Antrim)

******************************

Saturday 25th May 2019

I decided it was time, to return to the Black-headed Gull breeding colonies, at the RSPB's Window on Wildlife Reserve, in Belfast, as well as the Castle Espie Wetland Centre, in County Down.  Millisle would be my final destination of the afternoon, to look for any ringed Common Gulls.

Arriving at the visitor centre on the WoW Reserve, the first thing that struck me, was that none of the nesting rafts, had been towed out for the Common Terns to nest on.  Many Common Terns, were standing around the lagoon in their pairings, with very few actually on nests, especially on the two existing platforms, which are infested with nesting Black-headed Gulls.  According to the staff at the centre, these rafts should have been out by now, and an effort is to be made this week, in placing them on site.

To me, this is not good management, as when I visited another RSPB Reserve, at Portmore Lough on the 12th May, nearly all of the Common Terns there, were already quite happily sitting on eggs.

Viewing the Black-headed Gulls, on the two permanent nesting platform, they are packed with nests.  A few pairs of BHGs, seemed to be building new nests, whereas, many others had eggs to quite large well feathered chicks.  I spent a long time scoping these platforms, looking for the Orange Darvic's, belonging to Adam McClure, but not a single ring was spotted.  I was not helped, as much of the vegetation has grown quite tall.

Looking at the Mediterranean Gulls, there are still five pairs with nests.  The pair that had laid it's first egg, by the 20th April, has now got a single quite well feathered chick.  Two pairs, nesting towards the front of the platform, are still sitting either on eggs or small chicks.  One of these pairs, would include the 'metal-rung' male, whose ring number still needs completing -   3.**4.2*3 .  The other two pairs, nesting towards the back of the platform, should include the French-rung   RJ9H , but these are heavily obscured with nesting BHG's.

Mediterranean Gull with Chick - RSPB Window on Wildlife Reserve, Belfast  (25 May 2019)

A trifle disappointed, I checked out the nearby Kinnegar Beach, but very few birds were about, so I made my way to Castle Espie.

As stated after my previous visit to the Castle Espie Wetland Centre, it appeared as if the nesting Black-headed Gulls here, were two to three weeks behind their counterparts in Belfast.  This was confirmed on today's visit, with most pairs sitting on eggs, though a handful of pairs did have small chicks.

Once again, I noticed that very few pairs were actually nesting in the main compound area, where many of the ducks and geese are present.  I asked two female members of staff, if the gulls were being prevented from nesting in that area, their reply being no.  Even they thought it was strange, that the birds were avoiding the compound for some reason.

Anyhow, searching through the gulls for Orange Darvic's belonging to Adam McClure's study, I recorded nine codes.  The codes on another two gulls could not be read, as they were standing on their nests, and the nest material hid these.  Once again, there were over one hundred Black-headed Gulls on the tidal lagoon, many of which, are non breeders, or possibly birds that have yet to begin nesting.

Among the Black-headed Gulls on the tidal lagoon, were two un-ringed, second calendar year Mediterranean Gulls.  I wonder if these entitle me to another free coffee, as promised by that male member of staff, during my last visit here.

On returning home, and entering the nine 'coded' Black-headed Gulls onto my spreadsheet, I discovered that four of them, were first ever sightings for me.  I reported all four to the BTO, through my DemOn Ringing Database account, but as of today, Thursday 30th May, their details still have not arrived with me.  I really need to get this post published, so I'll report the ringing details in my next post.

Black-headed Gull  -    2BXR   -  Castle Espie Wetland Centre, Co. Down  (25 May 2019)

(Waiting on the Ringing Details)

Black-headed Gull  -    2ASC   -  Castle Espie Wetland Centre, Co. Down  (25 May 2019)

(Waiting on the Ringing Details)

Black-headed Gull  -    2BKT   -  Castle Espie Wetland Centre, Co. Down  (25 May 2019)

(Waiting on the Ringing Details)

Black-headed Gull  -    2APK   -  Castle Espie Wetland Centre, Co. Down  (25 May 2019)

(Waiting on the Ringing Details)

Of the five coded rings that were read,   2ASA , was the only Black-headed Gull, that was not native to Castle Espie.  Ringed as a chick on the Copeland Islands, in June 2013, I first recorded   2ASA , last summer, here at Castle Espie, when I recorded it breeding, on two occasions (13th & 27th May 2018).  My only other sighting of this bird until today, occurred last winter, when I observed it at Kinnegar Beach, on Belfast Lough, on the 9th December 2018.

I have six records of this gull, before my first sighting of it in 2018.  29 days after being ringed on the Copelands,   2ASA , was spotted by Cameron Moore, at Whitehead, in County Antrim (18th July 2013).  The next four sightings were from Castle Espie, here in County Down, on the 11th July 2014 (Robin Vage), 10th September 2014 (Graham McElwaine), 3rd April 2016 & 9th April 2017 (both by Kevin Kirkham-Brown).  On the 14th February 2018,   2ASA , was seen at the Billy Neill Soccer Centre, a short distance away from the Castle Espie Wetland Centre.

Black-headed Gull  -    2ASA   -  Castle Espie Wetland Centre, Co. Down  (25 May 2019)

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

Today's sighting of   2BKK , is the sixth record of the gull on my spreadsheet, and my first sighting of the bird this year.  I first recorded   2BKK , on the 13th May 2018, with two subsequent sightings on the 27th May 2018, and on the 24th June 2018.

Ringed as a chick at Castle Espie, on the 19th June 2014, the only other sightings I have of   2BKK , were made by Kevin Kirkham-Brown, on the 3rd April 2016, and on the 3rd July 2016.  Although today's sighting of   2BKK , was on one of the nesting ponds, I'm not convinced whether it is actually breeding or not.

Black-headed Gull  -    2BKK   -  Castle Espie Wetland Centre, Co. Down  (25 May 2019)

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

  2AKT , was ringed as a chick, at Castle Espie, on the 23rd June 2015.  My first encounter with   2AKT , was at Kircubbin, on the 27th February 2016.  Kircubbin is situated 11 kms / 7 miles, to the south west from Castle Espie.

  2AKT , then went un-recorded until last summer, when I recorded the gull on three occasions - 13th May 2018, and on the 10th & 24th June 2018, breeding at Castle Espie.  This was it's full ringing and re-sighting history, but I've no idea whether this gull was recorded anywhere last winter.  I entered the 'metal-number' of   2AKT , onto the BTO's DemOn Ringing Database, but the only record of the gull since being ringed, was that of today's entry.

Black-headed Gull  -    2AKT   -  Castle Espie Wetland Centre, Co. Down  (25 May 2019)

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

Today's sighting of   2CAN , is my third record for 2019, and my fourth overall, with all sightings having been made here at Castle Espie.  Ringed at Castle Espie, as an un-fledged juvenile, on the 24th June 2016, my first sighting, was made on the 27th May 2018.  Although I reported my sighting to Adam, I never received a reply, so I've no idea about the birds re-sighting history.  As well as today, my other two sightings this year, were made on the 24th March, and on the 22nd April.

Today,   2CAN , was spotted on the tidal lagoon, but on my previous visit (22nd April),   2CAN , was seen building a nest on one of the ponds.

Black-headed Gull  -    2CAN   -  Castle Espie Wetland Centre, Co. Down  (25 May 2019)

(Ringed as an Unfledged Juvenile, on the 24th June 2016, at the Castle Espie Wetland Centre)

The sighting of   2AJV , was especially pleasing, although no stranger to me, this was the first time that I had recorded it at Castle Espie.    2AJV , had been ringed as a chick, at Castle Espie, on the 19th June 2014, but my sightings of this gull, were all winter records at Belfast's Victoria Park.  My four previous records at Victoria Park, were made on the 14th November 2015, 4th September & 25th December 2016, and last Christmas Day - 25th December 2018.

The only other sighting I have of   2AJV , was made at the Connswater Shopping Centre, in Belfast, on the 30th October 2014, as a juvenile.  Having recorded   2AJV , here today, I do not know whether or not this gull is actually breeding.

Black-headed Gull  -    2AJV   -  Castle Espie Wetland Centre, Co. Down  (25 May 2019)

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

I was about to leave Castle Espie, in fact I was just short of the doors to the visitor centre, when I heard the 'piping' calls of Oystercatchers.  Turning around, small flocks were coming in from the mudflats of Strangford Lough, to roost on the centre's tidal lagoon.

From where I stood, I began scoping these for rings, and at the same time, more birds were arriving.  Soon afterwards, the numbers had increased to somewhere near the 150 mark, and eventually one was spotted with 'colour-rings'.  I returned to the 'Brent Hide', where I patiently scoped the Oystercatchers, in hope of re-sighting the bird I was after.  By the time I had reached the hide, many were lying down, and several of the birds obscured each other.

My patience was rewarded, when I spotted my target, standing on one leg.  Bearing, two 'colour-rings', red over lime green, the wait was on to see the birds right leg, as I knew there would be another 'colour-ring'.  Soon afterwards, it was on the move.  I already had the camera focused on the bird, and then captured a 'White Darvic' - inscribed with the letters 'CA'.  I knew straight away, this was an Icelandic bird.

On returning home, and checking my spreadsheet, RL-W(CA), was already on the system.  The Oystercatcher, was a bird that I reported to Böddi, in Iceland, on the behalf of David Nixon.  David, had recorded this bird, on the 4th April 2018, at the Inner Bay, at Dundrum, in County Down.

A bit of confusion arose, when I received the reply from Böddi.  Having checked the PDF File, which had been sent to David, about his 2018 sighting, I failed to notice that the file was for another bird RG-W(CA) - Red/Green-White(CA), and had duly reported today's sighting as that same bird.  A couple of emails later, we got things sorted, and both of our sightings were of RL-W(CA) - Red/Lime-White (CA).

RL-W(CA), was ringed as a chick, on the 26th May 2017, at Seljatunga, in southern Iceland.  It was recorded on three occasions in the month of June 2017, still inside the nesting area.  These records, along with the sightings made by David, and myself, gives the full history for this bird so far.

My thanks to Böddi, for spotting the original error, and supplying the correct details for this bird.  RL-W(CA), has not reached breeding age as yet, and seems to have decided to spend the summer here in Northern Ireland. 

Oystercatcher  -  (R)ed(L)ime-White(CA)  -  Castle Espie Wetland Centre, Co. Down  (25 May 2019)

(Ringed as a Chick, on the 26th May 2017, at Seljatunga, Southern Iceland)

Leaving Castle Espie, I made my way to Millisle, reflecting on what I had recorded at the Wetland Centre.  Eleven 'colour-ringed' Black-headed Gulls, and a 'colour-ringed' Oystercatcher, was quite good, but going by the number of 'colour-ringed', BHGs, that I recorded there last summer, I was really expecting to spot more.

Arriving at the car park, on the Millisle seafront, it was around high tide, and a fairly small number of Common and Herring Gulls, were loosely scattered over the area.  Throwing out a few bits of bread, saw most of these birds landing beside my car.

The first 'colour-ring', to be spotted, was that of the ever present Common Gull -   2BBC .  An all year round resident to Millisle, the only two months of any year, which   2BBC , had not been spotted here, were in the months of April & until today, May.  Ringed as a chick, on the nearby Copeland Islands, in June 2009,   2BBC , has the most extensive re-sighting history for any of the Northern Ireland Common Gulls.

The Copelands, are situated 8 kms / 5 miles (N), of Millisle, and the duration since being ringed is now 9 years, 11 months and 2 days.

Common Gull  -    2BBC   -  Millisle Seafront, Co. Down  (25 May 2019)

(Ringed as a Chick, on the 23rd June 2009, on the Copeland Islands, Co. Down)

The next 'colour-ring' to be spotted was in extremely poor condition, and belonged to Common Gull -   2ACA .  With many bits of the ring having broken off, it seems to be just a matter of time, before the ring falls of completely.

  2ACA , was ringed as a breeding adult, in May 2010, and is another bird with a fairly good re-sighting history, which suggests it is also a year round resident on the County Down coast.    2ACA , is quite approachable, and I could well end up trying to read it's 'metal-ring', in the future.  Ringed on the Copeland Islands, the duration is now 9 years, and 11 days, since being ringed.

Common Gull  -    2ACA   -  Millisle Seafront, Co. Down  (25 May 2019)

(Ringed as an Un-Sexed Breeding Adult, on the 14th May 2010, on the Copeland Islands, Co. Down)

The third 'colour-ring' to be spotted, was that of Herring Gull -   4M:W , ringed as an un-sexed adult, in May 2015, on Big Copeland Island.  Today's sighting, was my 3rd for 2019, and I have recorded this gull at least once a year since 2016.  All records of this bird has been at Millisle, including two sightings by David Nixon.

A new project on this species, began on the Copeland Islands, in 2014, but I have not heard of any updates about the project since.  I was fortunate, to be given all of the ringing details for these gulls, by Shane Wolsey.  Adam McClure, is the coordinator for the project, but I have not heard from him, for around a year now.

Herring Gull  -    4M:W   -  Millisle Seafront, Co. Down  (25 May 2019)

(Ringed as an Un-Sexed Adult, on the 6th May 2015, on the Copeland Islands, Co. Down)

As well as the three 'colour-ringed' gulls, there were four Common Gulls, which were ringed with 'metals' only.  I pondered on the idea, that on seeing the poor condition of 'colour-ring' of   2ACA , could it be possible, that some of the other 'colour-ringed' Common Gulls, have now lost their 'Darvic's'.  That question, will only be answered, should I ever record a 'metal' for a bird, which originally bore a 'colour-ring'.

I tried on several occasions, to try and read one or two of these 'metals', but the gulls were constantly being scared off by passers by.  I could really do with some sort of gull trap, which would enable me to catch and ring new birds, or 'colour-ring' gulls that already carry 'metals', or replace 'Darvic's', on existing birds.  Anyway, I gave up trying to read metals, and decided to head home.

Entering the town of Bangor, looking at gulls on lampposts, like I always do, I thought I spotted a lump, on the leg of a Herring Gull.  Pulling my car into a layby, a short distance away, I grabbed my camera and walked back.  Indeed, the Herring Gull, was 'colour-ringed', and a few photos later, I had captured the code -   0E:W .

On reaching home, I checked the code on my spreadsheet.  I have a copy of all the codes used on these Copeland Island rung Herring Gulls, from ringing data that was given to me by Shane Wolsey.  It appears that this was the first sighting of   0E:W , since it was ringed as an un-sexed adult, on the 22nd May 2014.  This was confirmed, when I entered today's sighting onto the BTO's DemOn Ringing Database.  Bangor itself, is only a stone's throw away from the Copeland Islands. 

Herring Gull  -    0E:W   -  High Bangor Road, Bangor, Co. Down  (25 May 2019)

(Ringed as an Un-Sexed Adult, on the 22nd May 2014, on the Copeland Islands, Co. Down)

******************************

Caspian Gull...

This post now brings me up to date, with my sightings and reports from others, concerning our ringed nesting and visiting birds.  Having finally got over my cold, which has lasted for nearly five weeks, I'm feeling in good form at last.  This feel good factor, seems to run in line with the weather.  The last few weeks have been very cool, and at times, quite cold.  Finally, the temperatures are on the rise, which is good for many birds, whose eggs are now hatching, or due to hatch.

Looking forwards, my ringing trainer, has informed me that I've been invited by the Causeway Coast Ringing Group, to attend their ringing session at Inch Island, in Co. Donegal.  Whilst they ring Sandwich Tern chicks, I will be busy ringing Black-headed Gull chicks.  I helped Adam McClure, to ring chicks here in 2016, and we've since missed a couple of opportunities to return.  I'm looking forwards to this next visit, as I doubt if any youngsters will be ringed in Northern Ireland, for a second summer running.

Also looking hopeful, is my application for permission, to catch and 'colour-ring' wintering Black-headed Gulls at Lurgan Park.  Marcus Malley, of the Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon Council, says that they agree in principle, to my application.  If all goes well, Lurgan Park, would be a great site to work on.

With all of the disturbance at Antrim Marina last winter, it was difficult to entice the gulls there, as they had become very nervous and wary.  At Lurgan Park, the gulls remain very forthcoming, and I would like to see some sort of continuation, towards Adam McClure's project or former project.  Either way, we can still learn a lot more about our wintering birds.

Mid June, will see a concentrated effort to ring Common Gull chicks on Rathlin Island, plus a few other County Antrim sites, in continuation of my project which began in 2017.  I've also provided some of my 'colour-rings', to be used by the ringers at the Copeland Island Bird Observatory.  Although Common Gulls, are not a specific target there, the addition of these Darvic's may well tempt the ringers, to focus a bit more on this species.  Shane Wolsey, gave up his ringing programme on Copeland in 2014, but it would be fantastic, to see some sort of continuation there in the future.

____________________________________________________________

Rathlin Island Common Gulls

In my blog post, published on the 21st April 2019, I reported on three Common Gulls, that had been spotted on Rathlin Island, by Richard Else.  These birds were from my new 'colour-ringing' project in County Antrim, which began in the summer of 2017, with the majority of chicks being ringed on Rathlin.

Over the last two winters, very few of these chicks, have been reported to me, therefore they were being overlooked at their wintering sites.  Guessing, that two-thirds of the youngsters, would perish before the end of their first winter, those that survive, should on the whole, get through subsequent winters.

I did expect that a few of the 2017 chicks, would start to reappear at Rathlin this summer, although not quite at full breeding age.  As mentioned above, reports of sightings started to come in from Richard, when firstly he spotted   2BHL , on the 29th March 2019, at Rue Point, on Rathlin.   2BHL , still in it's juvenile plumage, was ringed as a chick, on the 24th June 2018, at Arkill Bay, on Rathlin.

On the 13th & 15th April 2019, Richard then spotted   2APT  and   2BAX , at Rue Point.  These two sub-adults, were ringed as chicks, on the 17th June 2017, at Rue Point, and on the 24th June 2017, at Arkill Bay, and both were first re-sightings since being ringed.  These sightings confirmed my belief, that some of the Common Gulls would return to the island this summer.

More recently, Richard has reported another two, of the 2017, rung chicks.  On the 2nd May,   2AJT , was spotted at Rue Point, which is where it had been ringed on the 17th June 2017.  However, this was not a first re-sighting this time, as   2AJT , had previously been recorded on the 22nd May 2018, by David Nixon, at Dundrum, in County Down.

Common Gull  -    2AJT   -  Rue Point, Rathlin Island, Co. Antrim  (02 May 2019)

(Ringed as a Chick, on the 17th June 2017, at Rue Point)

(Photo Courtesy of Richard Else)

The second of the two gulls to be reported by Richard, was   2BAH  , also at Rue Point, on the 3rd May 2019.  I had recorded   2BAH , just five days earlier (28th April), when I spotted the gull on Kinnegar Beach, on the south side of Belfast Lough (see previous post).  Kinnegar, is 74 kms (SSE), from Rue Point, where   2BAH , had been ringed as a chick, on the 24th June 2017.  It was obvious from my sighting, that   2BAH , was on the move northwards towards Rathlin.

Common Gull  -    2BAH   -  Rue Point, Rathlin Island, Co. Antrim  (03 May 2019)

(Ringed as a Chick, on the 24th June 2017, at Rue Point)

(Photo Courtesy of Richard Else)

On Sunday 5th May, I undertook my first visit to Rathlin Island, to check out the Common Gull colonies, to see how they were progressing with their breeding season.  Whilst there, I was also on the lookout for my 'colour-ringed' birds.  As the day wore on, one thing I noticed, especially at Rue Point, was that the overall number of breeding pairs, was lower than last year, which was also lower than in 2017.

At each colony, I scoped the gulls from a distance for rings, trying to not to disturb the birds too much.  The day started off promising, with a 'colour-ringed' bird being spotted, within minutes of my arrival at the Arkill Bay colony, the first site to be visited.  This gull was   2BBF , and on entering it's ring code onto my spreadsheet after returning home, I discovered that I had recorded this bird in the past, at Carnlough, also in County Antrim.

  2BBF , was ringed as a chick, here at Arkill Bay, on the 24th June 2017.  I spotted   2BBF , on the 9th June 2018, and on the 7th July 2018, on Carnlough Beach, which were the only sightings until today.  I spent around an hour at Arkill Bay, but no other rings were spotted.  A number of gulls were obviously incubating eggs, and there could have been a slight chance, one or two of these may also have been ringed.  Whilst here, I detected the first signs of a decrease in nesting pairs, which became the main feature of the day.

One good sign though, was that the pair of Great Black-backed Gulls, which also nested here over the past two years, did not seem to be about.  Having said that, the female could be sitting on eggs, just out of sight at the northern end of the bay.  Preying on the eggs and chicks of the Common Gulls, the Great Black-backed's are a major problem, but they have to live too.

Common Gull  -    2BBF   -  Arkill Bay, Rathlin Island, Co. Antrim  (05 May 2019)

(Ringed as a Chick, on the 24th June 2017, at Arkill Bay)

Moving on, and spending lengthy visits to the Doon Bay, and Rue Point colonies, no more rings were spotted, not even any of those that had been recorded by Richard Else.  Richard, had also reported on a Common Gull, at Rue Point, which was just ringed with a 'metal', but I was not able to locate that bird.  If that gull could have been found, and was nesting, then there was a good chance for my camera to catch the ring number.

Over the past two summers, a small number of Common Gull chicks, were ringed with 'metals' only, as at the time of ringing, they were too small for a 'colour-ring'.  Again, as at Arkill Bay, the overall number of breeding birds has decreased, especially so at Rue Point, which is the main hub for breeding Common Gulls, on the southern arm of Rathlin Island.

The pair of Great Black-backed Gulls, which nested on the headland at the northern end of Doon Bay, over the previous two summers, were nesting in the exact same spot, as the did in 2017.  Whilst walking across the shore at Doon Bay, I noticed a few eggs that had been taken by a predator.  These seemed to be Greylag Goose eggs, and definitely not Common Gull eggs, but I think crows, rather than the Great Black-backed's, could be blamed for these.

Two bird kills were also found at Doon Bay.  The scattering of feathers, appeared to be the work of a Peregrine Falcon, and both birds that were the victims of the kill, seemed to be Common Gulls.  Whilst I was at Rue Point, I spotted an immature female Peregrine, flying in off the sea, from the direction of the mainland, and making it's way over Doon Bay.  Could this bird be the culprit?

Moving inland to Ushet Lough, four nests containing eggs were found around the southern shore, number 2x2 eggs, and 2x3 eggs.  Scoping across to the northern shore, another 4 Common Gulls, could be seen sitting on their nests.  A further 10 to 12 birds, appeared to be sitting on nests, on the small island, at the western end of the Lough.  A small number of the gulls here, were scoped for rings, but none were spotted.

I did not have time to visit the final colony at Roonivoolin, situated on the western shore of the southern arm, so I made my way back towards the harbour.  Arriving at Mill Bay, I scoped a small number of Black-headed and Common Gulls, and spotted one of my rings.  Despite these gulls being well out, due to the low tide, my camera did catch the code on the Common Gull -   2BAP .

  2BAP , is another gull from Arkill Bay, which had been ringed as a chick, on the 24th June 2017, and this sighting was a first since being rung.  The nearest breeding colony, would be 2 kms away, and this sighting strengthens my belief, that the 2017 rung birds, are merely prospecting rather than breeding, but there's always the outside chance, one or two of these birds are nesting.

Common Gull  -    2BAP   -  Mill Bay, Rathlin Island, Co. Antrim  (05 May 2019)

(Ringed as a Chick, on the 24th June 2017, at Arkill Bay)

******************************

Caspian Gull - Graham McElwaine

On the 10th May, I received an email from Graham McElwaine, who is the ringing coordinator for the Irish Brent Goose Research Group.  Whilst out and about, earlier that day, Graham spotted a juvenile gull, which was colour-ringed -   X86A .  This bird, which was spotted at Millquarter Bay in County Down, was hard to identify, and Graham suspected that it was a Herring Gull, and not a Great Black-backed Gull.

Graham, like myself, and a vast majority of birdwatchers, find trying to identify the species of large juvenile gulls, a big problem, as many look so alike.

I was tasked, with finding the owner of the 'colour-ring', and after consulting the cr-birding site, sent an email to Ronald Klein, in Germany.  Early on Sunday morning a reply was received, and 'WOW', what a sighting this turned out to be.

  X86A , was in fact a Caspian Gull, which had been ringed as a chick, on the 3rd June 2018, on the site of a Gravel Pit, just to the north-east of Leipzig.  Before Graham's sighting,   X86A , had previously been recorded at two sites in England.  On the 25th November 2018, it was spotted by a Rob Archer, at the Ashworth Moor Reservoir, situated to the north-west of Rochdale.  The second sighting, was on the 23rd January 2019, at Altham, in Lancashire, which is slightly further to the north from Ashworth Moor.

I went online, in an attempt to see if I could find any reference to the two English sightings, and came up trumps, when I came across a site called - Manchester Birding Forum (here), which contained Rob Archer's sighting at Ashworth, along with a photo.  I tried to find an email address for Rob, without success. I wanted to ask for permission to use his photo, but I am hopeful that he does not mind me including the photo here.  On the whole, most birdwatchers are fairly obliging to each other.

Immature Caspian Gull  -    X86A   -  Ashworth Moor Reservoir, Greater Manchester, England  (25 Nov 2018)

(Ringed as a Chick, on the 3rd June 2018, at the Laußig Gravel Pits, near Leipzig, Germany)

(Photo Courtesy of Rob Archer)

Next, I checked out the British Trust for Ornithology's 'Online Ringing Report', to see if 'ringed' Caspian Gulls, had ever been recorded in Northern Ireland in the past.  There was one record, of a Polish 'colour-ringed' bird, ringed as a chick in June 2006, having been spotted in County Londonderry, in February 2007.  There were no records for the Republic of Ireland.

Also checking the website of the Northern Ireland Birdwatchers Association (here), there are a couple of references to Caspian Gulls, though these are sketchy.  This proves just how rare, sightings of this species is on the island of Ireland as a whole, therefore making Graham's sighting - a brilliant spot. 

******************************

Antrim Town & RSPB Portmore Lough Nature Reserve

On Sunday 12th May, I decided to visit the RSPB Reserve at Portmore Lough, which lies a few miles south of Antrim Town.  Last summer, I had noticed one of Adam McClure's 'colour-ringed' Black-headed Gulls, nesting in the front right hand corner, of the central nesting platform, just in front of the wooden hide, on the Lough.  I tried on a couple of occasions to read the code without success.

To get to Portmore Lough, I had to pass through Antrim Town, but had no initial plans to stop there.  Passing by the Tesco Distribution Centre on the edge of Antrim Town, I noticed that the roof was swarming with gulls.  I had to pull in, to see what was going on here.  These extensive rooftops, had become home to a large number of nesting Lesser Black-backed Gulls, with smaller numbers of nesting Black-headed, Herring and Common Gulls.  In the past, I've also recorded nesting Common Terns, and once had an Oystercatcher with chicks.

This year however, there has been a major problem with this site.  Tesco, have made a concentrated effort, at preventing these birds from nesting here, having used the services of a falconer, to scare off the birds.  Over the past few weeks, fellow birdwatcher and Swift enthusiast Mark Smyth, has kept a watchful eye on the events around the Kilbegs Industrial Estate.

Mark discovered that some of the gulls had relocated to the far side of the Industrial Estate, and a number of pairs of Black-headed Gulls, were now nesting on a rooftop of a derelict building behind the Asda Shopping Centre.  Two or three weeks ago, I too had a look, and there were no gulls at Tesco, but did locate the gulls mentioned by Mark.  I also noticed the Lesser Black-backed Gulls, were concentrated on another rooftop behind Asda.  With most of the rooftops being at a height, as well as flat, there was no way to look to see what exactly was happening there.

Today, with many gulls back on the Tesco site, did this mean, the services of the falconer, were no longer required - or so they thought.  My main interest with this site at Tesco, is in the Mediterranean x Common Gull pair, which have nested here over the past three years.  Last summer, I confirmed that they hatched out three chicks, though only two survived until fledging.

Setting up my telescope, I soon realised, that several gulls had built, and were now sitting on their nests.  Possibly, a hundred plus pairs, were also present, but had not began to make nests.  Among these gulls, were a couple of pairs of Common Gulls with nests, one of which was situated on the exact same spot, where my Med x Common Gulls, nested over the past three years.

My delight, at having this pair back again, turned to dismay a short time later, when a returning mate, turned out to be another Common Gull, with a changeover of nesting duties taking place.

Now very disappointed, I had to push on to Portmore Lough, but I shall re-visit the Tesco Warehouse fairly soon, as I will also have to begin a few random visits to Antrim Marina, to record the resident gulls there.

Common Gull on Nest  -  Tesco Distribution Warehouse, Antrim Town, Co. Antrim  (12 May 2019)

Arriving at Portmore Lough, I was hoping that the same gull mentioned earlier, would again be nesting here, and to my delight, it was.  Equipped with a better camera than last summer, I hoped that this time, I could finally nail that code.  I was checking the gulls on the platforms for rings using my binoculars, without success, until something spooked the birds, and they all took to the air.  On their return to their nests, it was then that I saw the 'Orange Darvic'.

The gull in question, was nesting in a really awkward position.  Whilst on the nest which was out of view, I could only see the top of the birds back and head.  There is a safety board, topped with square wire, which runs around the whole platform, which therefore blocks out the view of all the nesting gulls on the front of the platform.

Inside the hide, I had set up my camera on a tripod, with it locked onto where the nest was and waited.  I was hoping that the birds partner would arrive, with a possible changeover of incubation duties.  After a very long wait, I began to get bored of my task, as nothing was happening.  Having checked all three platforms for 'ringed' BHGs and Common Terns, only one 'metal' rung Black-headed Gull, was spotted on the right hand platform.

Thinking back, to when the birds were spooked earlier, I thought I'd try something unorthodox, and scare them myself.  I waved my camera bag outside of the hide's window, to great effect.  Camera on, I took photos of the gulls returning, and after a couple of attempts, about ten minutes apart, I had captured the code -   2BKN  .

This hard won code, became even harder.  Having reported my sighting to the BTO, they had no ringing details for the gull, and sent an email to Adam, for the relevant ringing information.  As my regular readers will be aware, Adam has not responded to sightings for quite a considerable time now.  I'm still waiting for those, of two Black-headed Gulls -   2AHB   &   2AHT , spotted at Castle Espie, on the 24th March 2019.  No doubt, the wait will be a long one.

Black-headed Gull  -    2BKN   -  RSPB Portmore Lough Nature Reserve, Co. Antrim  (12 May 2019)

(Waiting for the Ringing Details)

Feeling rather pleased at getting a result, I began to make my way back towards the car park.  Every now and again, I stopped to scope more Black-headed Gulls, on the marsh lagoon.  There were loads of non breeding BHGs, especially second year birds, but a few pairs of BHGs and Common Terns, did have nests here.

I struck lucky again, as I spotted another one of Adam's birds, perched on one of two concrete structures.  Despite being a long way off from me, my camera still captured it's code -   2CBL .  After reporting this one to the BTO, they did have the ringing details.

  2CBL , was ringed as an unfledged juvenile, on the 24th June 2016, at the Castle Espie Wetland Centre, in County Down.  It is unknown whether this gull has been spotted before today, without Adam's involvement in his own project.  Castle Espie, lies 38 kms / 23 miles (E), from Portmore Lough.

Black-headed Gull  -    2CBL   -  RSPB Portmore Lough Reserve, Co. Antrim  (12 May 2019)

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

******************************

RSPB Window on Wildlife Reserve

On the 4th May, I returned to Belfast, to undertake another visit to the RSPB's Window on Wildlife Reserve.  I had hoped to have another crack, at completing the number of a 'metal-rung' Mediterranean Gull, having so far captured -   3.**4.2*3 .  As well as the Med Gulls, I was also on the lookout for any of Adam's 'colour-ringed' Black-headed Gulls.

During my previous two visits, on the 20th & 22nd April, the mate of   3.**4.2*3 , appeared to be sitting on a nest, though this was not visible, as there was little in the way of nesting material.  Today, that female was still sitting at that exact same spot, but since my previous visit, another Mediterranean Gull, is now sitting on what appears to be a nest, just in front of the pair that I'm trying to follow.

The 'metal-rung' male was present, and standing between the two nests, but I could not get a clear view of the ring, due to the increasing height of the vegetation.  After scanning around the nesting platform, I can now confirm that there are five pairs of Mediterranean Gulls nesting, which should include the French-rung bird, whose actual nest is obscured by timber.

Just one of Adam's Black-headed Gulls, was spotted, this being my second sighting at the colony this year.  I first saw   2BPX , on the nesting platform, on the 3rd March 2019, therefore today's sighting would confirm that it is breeding here.

  2BPX , is interesting, as my only previous sighting of this bird, was made on Christmas Day 2015, just half a mile down the road, on the railings at a Gas Terminal.    2BPX , was ringed as a chick, on the 1st July 2013, at Blue Circle Island, on Larne Lough, which lies 22 kms (NNE), of the Belfast Harbour Estate.  The only previous sighting of   2BPX , before I recorded it in 2015, was made by Paul McCullough, when he spotted the gull on the 26th May 2014, at the Leisure Centre at Carrickfergus.  Carrickfergus lies to the north-west edge, of Belfast Lough.

Black-headed Gull  -    2BPX   -  RSPB Window on Wildlife Reserve, Belfast  (04 May 2019)

(Ringed as a Chick, on the 1st July 2013, at Blue Circle Island, Larne Lough, Co. Antrim)

******************************