July 27th 2010

We had finished clearing down Dave’s moth trap before the predicted rain arrived so risked a look at the pond but Bob and I had only gone as far the fishing pontoon when the heavens opened so took shelter under the canopy of the visitors centre. Having already seen a first winter and adult Yellow-legged Gull we kept an eye on the coming and goings of the small number of gulls present some distance away towards dunns bay when Bob spotted a “black headed gull” which did not fit Black-headed, Med or Franklins and as we contemplated the species wishing for closer views it flew off towards toft bay confirming it was an adult summer plumage Sabine’s Gull, my fourth record, the last in 2005 and before that in 1988. It landed in toft so we legged it up farborough bank but as we approached the spit it flew off north over Thurlaston. We managed closer flight views in the scope and though we hung around for an hour in the rain hoping it might return alas it did not..
Also present was a Sanderling by the fishing pontoon, 2 Little Egrets, 2 Little Gull, 3 Dunlin, Common Sandpiper, Egyptian Goose, 40 Swift and 10 Sand Martin but no sign of yesterdays Common Scoter. Final Yellow-legged Gull count was 4 adults and 2 first year birds.
Will be back out later tonight to do the roost so will add to this blog.

Did the roost with a JJ and a few hardy souls managing an impressive 20+ Yellow-legged Gull adults but no sign of Sabs. There was also no sign of Sanderling as the Sailing Club were using the shoreline for there canoe lessons so it must have buggered off. One Little Gull still present.

Richard