Thursday 18 July 2013

Bonaparte's Gull still present

Heysham Obs
It has been elusive today with 'no sightings since mid-afternoon' until about 8.30pm after which it was located off the southern end of Ocean Edge with at least 6 Meds.  Need to be aware that the freshwater is very low on Red Nab and birds may also go and bathe on Middleton model boat pond
Obviously the Bonaparte's Gull has been the main attraction but there is a sideshow involving up to 20 or so Med Gulls.  See below for Gav Thomas pics (flight) and one from Mark Nightingale (on Red Nab).  Thanks very much for these

Med Gulls
Some of these have rings and thanks very much for the efforts so far by Chris Batty, Paul Ellis, Jean Roberts, Pete Woodruff and Gav Thomas.  This activity is completely out of my league until the eye fully heals!  The following is the situation I am aware of:

Yellow with black letters - 3CY 2P96 - ringed by us last spring, already had Belgian metal ring
Red with white letters PNE7 - Polish ringed 3CY already sent in details awaited
Green with black letters - German-ringed 2CY AKRS - this bird may have gone but details received
Green with black letters - German-ringed 2CY possibly/probably AK(U?)R - under investigation to see whether a fit - confirmation gratefully received.  STOP PRESS:  Confirmed a few minutes ago by Pete Woodruff as AKUR!

A right-leg metal above the foot 3CY - anyone managed to read it, please?
3-4 with metal above tarsus - assume these are impossible!

Any other darvic rings seen, please?

Thanks very much






Moths
18 Double Dart in two actinics - definitely the top site for this species!  Loads of moths in actinic set overlooking many key habitats