27th Breaded Med goes missing

Heysham Obs
No sign of the Czech-ringed adult Med last seen eating a huge piece of Russian bread two days ago. 1st W Med on the north wall as usual

Large adult Med and 1st W Little Gull Heysham 1 outfall

Just 9 Shags in the harbour but 16 counted later as all birds ended up outside the harbour

Just 3 Kittiwakes in the harbour

Two Twite on the mound late afternoon

Three Linnet on the heliport

It might be appropriate for casual birding visitors to stay away from the north harbour wall during the next day or so - it is in theory a private road and I dont know how much will be happening along there with respect to todays dreadful accident and the Centrica offices

Ringing recoveries
The following have just been received:

Redwing
RW67789 adult 22.10.05 Heysham Obs
Dead 18.12.05 Montbert (Loire-Atlantique FRANCE 47 3N 1 29 W

This was ringed at the start of a rather late autumn passage and could quite easily have been in France by the following morning

Greenfinch
TC33871 1stW F 18.11.05 Heysham Obs
Dead 07.09.06 Brookhouse 14 km

This bird was reported as sick, probably died in the recent outbreak of disease among Greenfinch [NOT bird flu]. Early September is before any long-distance autumnal movement by this species [which only a proportion, mainly young birds, actually undertake], therefore probably a Brookhouse breeding bird.

Thrushgill plantation
One hour spent here in ideal sunny calm conditions produced just 20 seconds of two 'green' Crossbill, mainly in flight. Plenty of cones but this site receives a real hammering during windy conditions and we are just about to receive another dose. Pair of Sparrowhawk displaying briefly!! also two Stock Dove on a barn which is usually only occupied during the breeding season

Lancaster Tip
Just four days to go here sadly. Couldnt find the Iceland Gull amongst the 700 or so large gulls but there was an adult Yellow-legged Gull and adult and 3rd W Scandinavian Herring Gull present. The Yellow-legged Gull was a small to medium-sized bird with a fully white head and very yellow legs - this fits with an individual seen in previous winters, albeit very intermittently. ELEVEN species of gull in this area this month!

Pine lake
An adult Med Gull spent a short time bathing and preening before returning to unknown field(s) with Black-headed and Common Gulls. No waterbirds of any significance.

River Bela, near Dallam Towers
Slav reported to Leighton reception. Ad winter Little Grebe seen on checking out report. Would suggest more thorough search in better weather. About 8 Tufted Duck also seen.

near Melling
4 white blobs in a field at exactly the same spot as the 4 Whoopers two days ago (1630hrs!)