WeBS on Sunday produced very little save for yet another "candidate" Yellow-legged Gull, this in fields south of Chapel Farm. Deja vu of similar bird at same spot on 22 June 2008 (LBN post). This one, as depicted, had bright yellow legs and bill, smokey grey mantle, blocky head and long primary extension (beyond P6), but primary tips details were not well recorded in photos.
Earlier in the week nocturnal excursions targeting gaps in the Quail map met with success at Ballencrieff & Myreton (NT47Z), Blindwells MTS (NT47C) and the fields between Kingslaw and Tranent Mains track (2, NT47B), all new for atlas. In these instances a sharp peak in song after sunset, some then falling silent beyond 23:00hrs. Blindwells bird notable in being my first for the site and also in grass, all others in cereal as usual.
Together with other recent additions the East Lothian map is now looking rather more complete, though the suspicion must be that there are many more unrecorded, particularly south of the Tyne.On same trips singing Gropper making a resurgence with at least 4, probably 6, in song btwn Seton Mains the top of Blindwells behind St Germains, plus one in the new plantings btwn Harelaw and Redhouse Wood in Gosford. Fantastic to hear the near simultaneous evening song of Quail, Groppers, Grey Partridge and Reed Bunting!
More good news on confirmed breeders with a Barn Owl carrying prey into a new site and the Lesser Whitethroats on Craigy Hill now feeding 2 juvs (per Abbie). Collared Dove on a nest at Meadowmill, below the A198 roundabout, was also a good new find for NT47C (now 36 confirmed). Tawny Owl was also new for NT47C, not for want of trying, but when finally located gave excellent views perched on railway wires opposite Seton Chapel.
Earlier in the week a brief look offshore on Tuesday produced 3 more Manx NE past Craigielaw.
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