Start of the wknd with idyllic conditions along the coast, pic above from the Longniddry shore with Arthur's Seat in the distance. A smaller roost at Seton Sands saw c. 2500 small gulls on the shore, with 100 Herring Gulls and a couple of LBB in pre-roost, amongst which re-located old faithful Med Gull "Cherry Blossom", red-7P8. Still very white on forehead but no doubt soon to depart back to Poland for another breeding season. Previous last spring dates have been 6-Mar-05 (then in Poland 22-May-05), 4-Mar-07 and 15-Mar-08. Also in Poland on 16-May-04 when first ringed. All other interesting gulls apparently vanished (though a yellow-legged bird with rounded head, similar to that photo'd here last wk by Keith, reported from the Eden Estuary on Sunday).Saturday - mainly domestic duties, but back at roost in the evening failed to find Cherry Blossom (found again on Monday so must have missed her - this therefore equals her previous latest departure date); LBB increased to 8 in pre-roost.
Sunday - apparent Whooper clear-out with a mere 12 located, pictured preening. On the other hand, Gannet numbers building rapidly, view of their Rock below from Rugged Knowes c/p at North Berwick; also shot of a Ringed Plover on the shore there.
Another ethereal sunset on Gosford Bay.
Nice photograph and an imformative blog. Keep up the good work
ReplyDeleteThanks Abbot, glad it's of interest even out of the area. To be honest, it's a struggle to find much of interest at present, but surely there will be more new birds arriving soon - we're due some!
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