Cordon Re-Sited...

Again, I'm way behind with these posts.  This particular post was just about ready to publish a fortnight ago, though between one thing or another, I had not got around to completing it.  Monday and Tuesday (4th & 5th July), should have seen my final visits to Rathlin Island to colour-ring Common Gull chicks, but the season came to an abrupt end after receiving an email from the BTO last Thursday (30th June).

We have been informed by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) that the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) have suspended all ringing and nest recording activities in seabird colonies in Northern Ireland, effective immediately, following recent confirmation of HPAI in a Gannet; this extends to any ringing or nest recording activity focused on non-seabird species within seabird colonies. The decision was based both on the risk of onward transmission from infected colonies to other locations, and the need to minimise any additional stress experienced by potentially infected birds. Given this position, BTO has taken the decision to extend the suspension to all ringing and nest recording activities relating to seabirds in any location within Northern Ireland, including that of gulls and terns, until further notice.

Northern Ireland, now joins Scotland having to cease all ringing activities within seabird colonies.  At that time, having made further visits to Rathlin Island, a total of 84 Common Gull chicks had been colour-ringed, and I had hoped to surpass the 100 mark.

I have spent much time sorting out and labelling lots of photos, updating my main 'Ring Reading Spreadsheet', my Rathlin Island Spreadsheet and a Common Gull Database (Access).  As well as that, a trickle of ring sightings have been coming in, which needed responding to.  My next post will feature these sightings, along with sightings I have made, plus a summary of my final visits to Rathlin Island.

I want to get fully up to date before the beginning of August, by which time, I will begin my weekly visits to Antrim Marina.  With the breeding season almost over, gulls will begin returning to their wintering sites and the steady flow of ring sightings will begin.  It's almost 'Tern Time' again, a period of a few weeks where colour-ringed Common and Sandwich Terns appear on our shores before heading south for the winter.  Normally, a fair number of colour-rings are recorded here during that time.

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From Suzanne Belshaw

Suzanne has been in touch, to report four Black-headed Gull sightings which were made in late May and early June.

On the 27th May 2022, Suzanne visited the Castle Espie Wetland Reserve on Strangford Lough, where she recorded three colour-ringed Black-headed Gulls, two of which I had recorded there six days earlier (see my previous post).

Black-headed Gull  -   2AKJ   -  Castle Espie Wetland Centre, Strangford Lough, Co. Down  (27 May 2020)

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

Black-headed Gull  -   2BKD   -  Castle Espie Wetland Centre, Strangford Lough, Co. Down  (27 May 2020)

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

The third bird was -  2CAN .   2CAN , was ringed at Castle Espie as a chick, on the 24th June 2016.  It has since been recorded at Castle Espie during the breeding seasons of 2018, 2019 and 2021.  This is the birds 10th sighting on the reserve, and has yet to be recorded elsewhere.  The duration since being ringed, is now 5 years, 11 months and 3 days.

Black-headed Gull  -   2CAN   -  Castle Espie Wetland Centre, Strangford Lough, Co. Down  (27 May 2022)

(Ringed as a Chick, on the 24th June 2016, at Castle Espie)

On the 8th June 2022, Suzanne visited the lake at Lurgan Park in County Armagh.  Here, she spotted Black-headed Gull -  2BRD , on the lake, but could not obtain a clear photo of the colour-ring.   2BRD , is a winter visitor at Antrim Marina in County Antrim, where I have an ongoing study on the wintering population of Black-headed Gulls.   2BRD , was ringed as an adult male, at Antrim Marina, on the 1st February 2015, however, the gull is not a regular visitor to the Marina during the winter months.

Exactly where the bird goes to during these absences is unknown, but -  2BRD  frequently turns up at Lurgan Park Lake just before the commencement of the new breeding season each year.  This year, my final sighting at Antrim Marina, was made on the 14th February 2022, and then on the 17th, Suzanne spotted it at Lurgan Park.  This latest sighting, is only the second to have been recorded in the month of June, which would suggest it nests somewhere nearby.  Lurgan Park, is situated, 28 kms / 17 miles (SSW) from Antrim Marina, and the duration since being ringed, is now 7 years, 3 months and 26 days.

Black-headed Gull  -   2BRD   -  Lurgan Park Lake, Lurgan, Co. Armagh  (08 Jun 2022)

(Ringed as an Adult Male, on the 1st February 2015, at Antrim Marina, Antrim Town, Co. Antrim)

My thanks as always goes to Suzanne for her sightings along with the photos.

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Fifth 2022 Visit to Rathlin Island - 12th June

On my visit to Rathlin Island today, I was badly hampered as frequent showers of rain meant that I had to stay clear of the Common Gull colonies for long periods of time.  My main aim was to colour-ring the first of this year's chicks at the Doon Bay and Rue Point colonies.  On reaching each colony, I would scope for colour-rings on the adults first, as well as looking to see where suitably sized chicks were to be found for ringing.

Perched high on the hillside above the colony at Doon Bay, three colour-ringed adults were spotted, and one bird -  2BNL , turned out to be a first ever re-sighting, having been ringed as a chick at Doon Bay, on the 26th June 2019.   2BBC , was also a first re-sighting for me, here this summer, though Ric Else recorded the gull at Doon Bay, on the 12th March 2022.

The colony at Doon Bay, can pose problems with access, especially during a high tide, where several rock outcrops become islands.  This was the case today, and having spotted just three chicks, just one was large enough to take a colour-ring and I had a go at catching this one.  By the time I got to it's location, I could not find it at all.  I retreated back up the hillside to attempt another go at locating the youngster, but the showers of rain kept on falling.  I eventually decided to move on to Rue Point, where I could at least get some shelter from a building close to the lighthouse there.

Common Gull  -   2BNJ   -  Doon Bay, Rathlin Island, Co. Antrim  (12 Jun 2022)

(Ringed as a Chick, on the 26th June 2019, at Doon Bay)

Common Gull  -   2BBC   Doon Bay, Rathlin Island, Co. Antrim  (12 Jun 2022)

(Ringed as a Chick, on the 24th June 2017, at Arkill Bay, Rathlin Island, Co. Antrim)

Common Gull  -   2BNL   -  Doon Bay, Rathlin Island, Co. Antrim  (12 Jun 2022)

(Ringed as a Chick, on the 26th Jun 2019, at Doon Bay)

Rue Point

At Rue Point, I ended up spending long periods sheltering from the frequent showers, and the wind was so strong, I could not leave my telescope standing as it would have blown over.  With a little respite between the showers, I managed to read the colour-rings on four adult Common Gulls, but I was not able to get a decent photo for -  2BCC , as the wind caused my camera to sway furiously, no matter how much I tried to steady it.

When I had a clear periods, I ventured into the colony to find there were still many nests with eggs and very small chicks, so my attempts at locating chicks to colour-ring were quick in and out affairs, so as the gulls to get back onto there nests as quickly as possible.  Having colour-ringed my first seven chicks, I decided it would be best to leave the birds alone and return to Doon Bay.  Hit again with yet another shower, was it really worth going back to Doon Bay?  I decided just to give up, and made my way back to the harbour.

On the whole, the day was a real waste of time, as I was forced to keep away from the colonies for long periods.  I got back to the harbour, with an hour to kill before catching the ferry.  I treated myself to a cheeseburger, as I thought that I would go to Ballintoy, before returning home.  

Common Gull  -   2BAX   -  Rue Point, Rathlin Island, Co. Antrim  (12 Jun 2022)

(Ringed as a Chick, on the 24th June 2017, at Arkill Bay, Rathlin Island, Co. Antrim)

Common Gull  -   2BAH   -  Rue Point, Rathlin Island, Co. Antrim  (12 Jun 2022)

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

Common Gull  -   2APT   -  Rue Point, Rathlin Island, Co. Antrim  (12 Jun 2022)

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

Ballintoy Harbour

At Ballintoy, the weather conditions were horrendous, with heavy waves crashing against the rocks, and the wind here could be really felt at it's strongest.  I ended up by just taking a quick view of the nesting Common Gulls on their rock islet, to find that there were lots of near fully feathered chicks scattered about.  It appears that the Common Gulls here have had their best breeding season, since I began checking the site in recent years.  The gulls are further ahead of their breeding season, as compared to their cousins on Rathlin.  There may have been chicks on some of the other rock sections which are accessible, but with weather conditions as bad as they were, I decided it was best to leave the birds alone and headed for home. 

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Second 2022 Visit to Castle Espie Wetland Centre - 13th June

With this my second visit to Castle Espie this summer, I couldn't believe how much has changed since my first visit on the 21st May 2022.  Within the main visitor area, far more Black-headed Gulls were sitting on nests.  The reason for this became clearer when I ventured around the rest of the nature reserve.  Every nest on the lagoons has failed since my previous visit, with not a single chick to be seen.  This has likely to have happened due to the vegetation on the lagoons having grown excessively causing the birds to desert their eggs and chicks, with repeat nests having been built in the visitor area.

Even within the visitor area, it appears as if many Black-headed Gull nests had also failed since my first visit, including nests of some colour-ringed gulls that I had recorded previously.  Despite a lengthy visit, only four colour-rings were recorded this time, with - 2APR, being the only one to be recorded on the 21st May 2020.

The sighting of -  2CAJ , is the first for this summer, and had previously been recorded at Castle Espie during the breeding seasons of 2018 and 2021.  It was ringed as a chick at the Centre, on the 24th June 2016, which takes it's duration to 5 years, 11 months and 20 days.

Black-headed Gull  -   2CAJ   -  Castle Espie Wetland Centre, Strangford Lough, Co. Down  (13 Jun 2022)

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

 2APR , was ringed as a chick at Castle Espie, on the 15th June 2015.  It has since been recorded during the breeding seasons of 2018, 2019 and 2021 at Castle Espie.  The Centre was closed in 2020, due to the 'Covid Lockdowns'.  The duration since being ringed, is now 6 years, 11 months and 29 days.

Black-headed Gull  -   2APR   -  Castle Espie Wetland Centre, Strangford Lough, Co. Down  (13 Jun 2022)

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

I did not know it at the time, but my sighting of -  2CAK , was a first ever for this bird since it was ringed at Castle Espie as a chick, on the 24th June 2016.  With the duration standing at 5 years, 11 months and 20 days, where has this bird been until now?  It came as quite of a surprise, when I checked the code on my main 'Ring Reading' spreadsheet, to discover this was a first re-sighting.

Black-headed Gull  -   2CAK   -  Castle Espie Wetland Centre, Strangford Lough, Co. Down  (13 Jun 2022)

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

The sighting of -  2CKS , is only the 5th record for this bird.  Ringed as a chick at Castle Espie on the 16th June 2017, it's first re-sighting was made by me at Castle Espie on the 24th June 2018.  On the 23rd February 2020, I spotted -  2CKS on Kinnegar Beach at Belfast Lough, which is the only sighting away from Castle Espie.  The nature reserve was closed to the public during the breeding season of 2020, but the gull was recorded back at Castle Espie in June 2021 (2 sightings).  The duration since being ringed, is now 4 years, 11 months and 28 days.

Black-headed Gull  -   2CKS   -  Castle Espie Wetland Centre, Strangford Lough, Co. Down  (13 Jun 2022)

(Ringed as a Chick, on the 16th June 2017, at Castle Espie Wetland Centre)

Many colour-ringed Black-headed Gulls previously recorded at Castle Espie in recent years are absent for one reason or another.  Surely, they cannot all have perished, but to re-sight those that are present, adds much more time onto their longevities.

It only goes to show how confident the Black-headed Gulls are, with the many people which visit the centre.  Two pairs especially, were that confident, they actually nested in the plant tubs placed directly on the public walkway.

Black-headed Gull Sitting on Two Eggs

The Two Eggs Revealed

Black-headed Gull With Three Chicks

The Three Chicks Revealed

Millisle Seafront

On leaving Castle Espie, I drove to the seafront at Millisle, hoping to record some colour-ringed Common Gulls.  This time, unlike my previous visit, there were plenty of Common Gulls about, but the only colour-ring to be recorded, was that of -  2BBC .  Ringed as a chick, on the 23rd June 2009, on nearby Big Copeland Island, is was the 45th sighting record of -  2BBC , with all sightings except for it's first, having been made at Millisle.  On the 23rd January 2010, the then juvenile, was spotted at Gormanstown in Co. Meath in the Republic of Ireland.  The duration since being ringed, is now 12 years, 11 months and 21 days.  Big Copeland Island lies 8 kms / 5 miles (N) from Millisle.

Several metal-rung Common Gulls were present, but I knew I would get no peace and quiet, to try to photograph any of their numbers, as there were far too many people walking by.  I could have 'kicked myself' for not having my rings with me.  Retrieving half a loaf that was in the boot of my car, I sat on the sea wall and began crumbling up the bread into large piles at my feet.  Not only Common Gulls, but Herring Gulls came right up to me to get a feed.  I could have easily grabbed a bird or two at the same time, including a couple of Common Gulls with metal rings.  I'll come more prepared next time, as this would provide an easy opportunity to colour-ring some new birds here.

Common Gull  -   2BBC   -  Millisle Seafront, Drumfad Bay, Co. Down  (13 Jun 2022)

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

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Sixth 2022 Visit to Rathlin Island - 14th June

On today's visit to Rathlin Island, I was accompanied by Suzanne Belshaw, who was there to help me with the colour-ringing of Common Gull chicks, with Arkill Bay and Ushet Lough being the two sites chosen for the day.  As things panned out, Arkill Bay was the only site visited.  On arriving at Arkill Bay, my first task was to take photos of the cordon which had been erected directly beside the Common Gull colony, much to my disbelief when I saw it there on the 6th June.  I had been distracted and forgot to take photos at the time.

To site the cordon right beside where the gulls were nesting was absolutely idiotic, as it would encourage people to venture right down to where the gulls were nesting, giving the birds no peace and quiet at all.  As can be seen in this photo, gulls have nests just on the other side of the cordon. 

Cordon Sited Right Next to the Common Gull Colony

I vented my feelings on the RSPB's Facebook page, and someone took some notice, as on the 17th June, I received an email from Derek Polley, along with a photograph, to say that the RSPB had moved the cordon back up the hillside, to where the picnic tables are situated.  This now creates a buffer zone between people walking the trail and the nesting birds.  What's worse, is the amount of disturbance in the first place to site the cordon right beside the colony, and then to remove it to higher ground.  With Arkill Bay holding the largest colony of Common Gulls on Rathlin Island, I would still wish for the Craigmacagan Trail to be closed from the end of April, until the end of July.  

For now, I'm far happier about the situation if the trail is to remain open.  If people stay away from the gulls, they will get used to the comings and goings, though on the plus side, having people passing by may well help to discourage predators.

Cordon Repositioned Next to the Picnic Tables

On arriving at Arkill Bay, the first task in hand was to scope the Common Gulls for colour-rings before entering the colony to colour-ring chicks.  The colony at Arkill Bay, is actually split into two parts, with a short rocky stretch in between the two.  The south section lies below the cordon, whilst the north section is actually situated on private ground.

Whilst I was scoping the adult Common Gulls, Suzanne spotted an Oystercatcher chick, followed by a second one.  Soon afterwards, both chicks were caught and ringed with metals only.

Between the two sections, a total of five colour-ringed Common Gulls were recorded today, with one of these being first ever re-sighting -  2BTH .

Due to the 'Covid Lockdown' during the 2020 breeding season, I was unable to get onto Rathlin Island, until the 4th July, when restrictions were eased.  By this time, most chicks had already fledged, and it also appeared as if the Common Gulls had had a poor breeding season.  Working around the colonies on the 4th July, 6th July and 7th July, I was only able to find and colour-ring a total of 9 chicks altogether.

 2BTH , was one of those nine chicks, and now the first to be seen since.  It was ringed on the 7th July 2020, at this colony, and was the final youngster to be ringed in 2020.  As it is not fully mature, it appears that -  2BTH  has returned to prospect a nesting site for next year.  The duration since being ringed, is now 1 year, 11 months and 7 days.

Common Gull  -   2BTH   -  Arkill Bay, Rathlin Island, Co. Antrim  (14 Jun 2022)

(Ringed as a Chick, on the 7th July 2020, at Arkill Bay)

The sighting of -  2BJX , was also a first for Rathlin Island, though it had been spotted elsewhere on two other occasions.   2BJX , was ringed as a chick, on the 24th June 2019, at Arkill Bay.  It's first re-sightings occurred on the 17th and 27th January 2022, when spotted by Jan Rod at Gormanstown Strand in County Meath, Republic of Ireland, some 184 kms / 114 miles (S) from Rathlin.

I actually spotted -  2BJX , by scoping from the north colony.  The bird along with it's partner is nesting in a dip in the south colony, and therefore would not be seen from the picnic tables above.  The duration since being ringed, is now 2 years, 11 months and 21 days.

Common Gull  -   2BJX   -  Arkill Bay, Rathlin Island, Co. Antrim  (14 Jun 2022)

(Ringed as a Chick, on the 24th June 2019, at Arkill Bay)

The sighting of -  2BKL , is now the 3rd for the gull this summer, having recorded it on the 15th May and 6th June.  The bird was ringed at Arkill Bay, as a chick, on the 24th June 2019.   2BKL , was spotted twice at Arkill Bay during the 2021 breeding season (8th & 15th June), and has yet to be recorded away from Rathlin.  The duration, is now 2 years, 11 months and 28 days since being ringed.

Common Gull  -   2BKL   -  Arkill Bay, Rathlin Island, Co. Antrim  (14 Jun 2022)

(Ringed as a Chick, on the 24th June 2019, at Arkill Bay)

 2BKJ , has been recorded for the sixth time this summer at Arkill Bay, and was seen on site back on the 9th April 2022, when spotted by Ric Else.   2BKJ , was ringed as a chick at Arkill Bay, on the 24th June 2019, and was still on Rathlin Island, on the 7th & 8th December 2019, when spotted by Ric Else at Church Bay.

On the 7th July 2020, Linda Thompson was next to spot -  2BKJ , at Sandy Bay in Larne, County Antrim, situated 54 kms / 33 miles (SSE) from Arkill Bay.  On the 6th May and 8th June 2021,  2BKJ  was back at it's natal colony for the first time.

The duration since being ringed, is now 2 years, 11 months and 28 days.

Common Gull  -   2BKJ   -  Arkill Bay, Rathlin Island, Co. Antrim  (14 Jun 2022)

(Ringed as a Chick, on the 24th June 2019, at Arkill Bay)

Today's sighting of -  2BBF , is the 5th this summer, equal to all sightings made in the past.   2BBF , was ringed at Arkill Bay as a chick, on the 24th June 2017.  On the 9th June and 7th July 2018, I recorded the then second calendar year bird at Carnlough Beach in County Antrim.  During 2019, the only sighting occurred on the 5th May, when I spotted -  2BBF  back at Arkill Bay, but I'm not sure whether it bred or not.

On the 28th January 2020, Ric Else recorded -  2BBF  at Mill Bay on Rathlin, then I spotted the bird back at Arkill Bay, on the 4th July 2020, but again, I was not sure whether it bred there.  Despite numerous visits to Arkill Bay during the breeding season of 2021, the gull was not seen at all until this year.  This time, it is definitely breeding and has at least one chick.  The duration since being ringed is now 4 years, 11 months and 28 days.

Common Gull  -   2BBF   -  Arkill Bay, Rathlin Island, Co. Antrim  (14 Jun 2022)

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

Between the north and south sections, a total of 26 Common Gull chicks were colour-ringed, which, along with those ringed at Rue Point two days earlier, took my total to 33 chicks altogether.  Between both sites, there were probably more suitably sized chicks to ring, but as there were still many nests with either eggs or small chicks, we could only spend limited time ringing, as it was essential to let the gulls settle back onto their nests.

Before leaving Arkill Bay, we searched for the chicks of the resident Great Black-backed Gulls on the headland of the north section.  I spotted one large chick which was partly feathered, but I could not try to get to it, as it had made it's way down to a rock spit just above the edge of the sea.  Any attempt to catch the youngster may have resulted in it taking to the sea, so I had to leave this one for it's own safety.

We had spent so long at Arkill Bay, I decided not to move on to Ushet Lough.  While we were on the hillside, some people appeared on the Craigmacagan Trail, and we had to wait for them to move on.  To my delight, they all remained behind the newly situated cordon.

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