Orcombe Point, Exmouth, Devon
I had an optimistic look around after work but the only species of note were a group of mobile Meadow Pipits. I even had a brief sea watch but only managed a distant Northern Gannet.
Mudbank, Exmouth, Devon
I moved on from Orcombe Point to have a look at the Estuary. Plenty of birds around, mainly Herring Gull and Black-headed Gull. A few Eurasian Curlew and Eurasian Oystercatcher. I did have a decent candidate Juvenile Yellow-legged Gull but the sun was directly in my eyes and scope and the Gull in question wouldn’t move before I had to leave. I’d have liked to see the bird in flight or stretch it’s wings for me to clinch further ID features
I’m hopefully off to Porthgwarra on Wednesday or Thursday (if my boss is in a good enough mood to give me a last minute day off) as I feel the predicted conditions could prove very rewarding. Hmmm, I wonder if that Trindade Petrel is still around and fancies performing? Wake up Spence!
Showing posts with label European Herring Gull. Show all posts
Showing posts with label European Herring Gull. Show all posts
We Have Gulls With Etiquette In Exmouth
Exmouth Lesuire Centre, Exmouth, Devon
Whilst taking my youngest for her swimming lessons I spotted this European Herring Gull drinking from a glass. I couldn’t resist snapping a picture. How resourceful and a very well mannered bird. But on a serious note, it shows how difficult obtaining water can be in the current weather. Wildlife really is taking a hit this year with the harsh snow and now heat and lack of water. It’s a real struggle out there!
Whilst taking my youngest for her swimming lessons I spotted this European Herring Gull drinking from a glass. I couldn’t resist snapping a picture. How resourceful and a very well mannered bird. But on a serious note, it shows how difficult obtaining water can be in the current weather. Wildlife really is taking a hit this year with the harsh snow and now heat and lack of water. It’s a real struggle out there!
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| European Herring Gull “Who’s driving tonight?” |
A Busy Week
Exmouth Quay, Exmouth, Devon
It’s been a very busy week in work which has impacted on my already limited time in the field. Today though I managed to get away early enough to spend a bit of time looking off the Quay. There was not a lot around but it was a welcome relief to be out. The best birds on offer were a single adult Mediterranean Gull and a group of Sandwich Tern on Great Bull Hill. A group of European Herring Gull were frantically feeding just off the Quay and one was giving off characteristics of a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull. Due to the amount of Gulls feeding it was hard work trying to figure it out in amongst the frenzy. Unfortunately I lost it and couldn’t relocate it once they had settled down on nearby boats and bouys! It looked good but just couldn’t get a 100% on the ID.
It’s been a very busy week in work which has impacted on my already limited time in the field. Today though I managed to get away early enough to spend a bit of time looking off the Quay. There was not a lot around but it was a welcome relief to be out. The best birds on offer were a single adult Mediterranean Gull and a group of Sandwich Tern on Great Bull Hill. A group of European Herring Gull were frantically feeding just off the Quay and one was giving off characteristics of a juvenile Yellow-legged Gull. Due to the amount of Gulls feeding it was hard work trying to figure it out in amongst the frenzy. Unfortunately I lost it and couldn’t relocate it once they had settled down on nearby boats and bouys! It looked good but just couldn’t get a 100% on the ID.
Lots And Lots And Lots Of Gulls
Orcombe Point, Exmouth, Devon
Had a doctors appointment after work so I could only manage a quick 30 minutes birding today. As Orcombe was the nearest decent place to spend that time I headed there. I guess I thought it’s the best option considering the time available and there’s always a chance of a late migrant. On arrival at Gore Lane the farmer was busy in one of the fields with 2 tractors on the go. The activity had attracted a huge amount of Gulls and corvids. There were probably around 400 Gulls with them all looking like European Herring Gulls. The Corvids were in smaller numbers (60 or so) And comprised of Rook, Carrion Crow, Northern Javkdaw, Eurasian Magpie and a Northern Raven. There was not much else on offer apart from a calling Common Whitethroat that remained hidden. I said Hi to the Cows as I walked to the coastal path and took some more flower pictures. I was hoping for some butterflies but there was only a single Small White on offer.
Had a doctors appointment after work so I could only manage a quick 30 minutes birding today. As Orcombe was the nearest decent place to spend that time I headed there. I guess I thought it’s the best option considering the time available and there’s always a chance of a late migrant. On arrival at Gore Lane the farmer was busy in one of the fields with 2 tractors on the go. The activity had attracted a huge amount of Gulls and corvids. There were probably around 400 Gulls with them all looking like European Herring Gulls. The Corvids were in smaller numbers (60 or so) And comprised of Rook, Carrion Crow, Northern Javkdaw, Eurasian Magpie and a Northern Raven. There was not much else on offer apart from a calling Common Whitethroat that remained hidden. I said Hi to the Cows as I walked to the coastal path and took some more flower pictures. I was hoping for some butterflies but there was only a single Small White on offer.
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| Medick |
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| Common Sorrel |
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| Cut-leaved Cranes-bill |
One Of Those Days
Orcombe Point, Exmouth, Devon
I felt that the over night conditions were primed for a fall of migrants so I popped up first thing. The place was almost devoid of any bird life apart from a few European Herring Gull and Eurasian Magpie. As I have mentioned before on this blog, I have a real love / hate relationship with Orcombe. There can be weeks where I see nothing but it can also deliver the goods. Today was a day of nothing, so I headed to work with my tail between my legs.
Aylesbeare Common, Devon
After work I took a look around the common. I was hoping for Dartford Warbler. I had walked for 20 minutes down the left hand side of the reserve and in that time I hadn’t seen a bird. At this point I thought to myself “Spence, this is one of those days!” I continued towards the bottom of the reserve (where there are a number of pools) and had only seen 2 Carrion Crow and heard a singing Common Chiffchaff. Once I arrived at the pools things did improve slightly with a Male Eurasian Bullfinch, a Common Chiffchaff, 2 Eurasian Blue Tit and a Common Chaffinch.
On another note. My 9 year old daughter Brooke went on an orginised wildlife walk at Dawlish Warren today and was chuffed to see her first Osprey and Sand Lizard. It’s nice to see her really getting into her birds and wildlife. Her life list is now 62! Not bad considering she only started listing this year. Perhaps she’ll beat her Daddy one day?
I’m off to Portland area tomorrow so hopefully I will have a better day.
I felt that the over night conditions were primed for a fall of migrants so I popped up first thing. The place was almost devoid of any bird life apart from a few European Herring Gull and Eurasian Magpie. As I have mentioned before on this blog, I have a real love / hate relationship with Orcombe. There can be weeks where I see nothing but it can also deliver the goods. Today was a day of nothing, so I headed to work with my tail between my legs.
Aylesbeare Common, Devon
After work I took a look around the common. I was hoping for Dartford Warbler. I had walked for 20 minutes down the left hand side of the reserve and in that time I hadn’t seen a bird. At this point I thought to myself “Spence, this is one of those days!” I continued towards the bottom of the reserve (where there are a number of pools) and had only seen 2 Carrion Crow and heard a singing Common Chiffchaff. Once I arrived at the pools things did improve slightly with a Male Eurasian Bullfinch, a Common Chiffchaff, 2 Eurasian Blue Tit and a Common Chaffinch.
On another note. My 9 year old daughter Brooke went on an orginised wildlife walk at Dawlish Warren today and was chuffed to see her first Osprey and Sand Lizard. It’s nice to see her really getting into her birds and wildlife. Her life list is now 62! Not bad considering she only started listing this year. Perhaps she’ll beat her Daddy one day?
I’m off to Portland area tomorrow so hopefully I will have a better day.
Another Interesting Gull
Orcombe Point, Exmouth, Devon
I had a look around this afternoon, as the winds seemed ok for a sea watching session. I aimed for the coastal path and after a while I realised there was nothing doing. Next I thought I would check the dung field. There were a lot of European Herring Gull a Meadow Pipit and a Eurasian Rock Pipit. With not much else there I decided to walk down Gore Lane in the hope of something sheltering in the hedges.
As I got to the gate next to the lane that leads to the camp I noted quite a few more Gulls in that field. I scanned through with my binoculars and picked out a very unusual Gull. It looked like a smaller European Herring Gull and had a red bill. At this point I was torn between setting my scope up for a picture or keep looking. I (in hindsight) regrettably opted for the latter. I was trying to assess the leg colour but that was hampered by the length of the grass. However what I did glimpse, seemed to be a dark colouration. The Gull looked slender in build and I did clock that the primaries seemed to have white tips. At this point I thought “I need to get a photo of this” so I slowly started to get my scope off my back and set it up. With that the bird (and the whole group) took flight.
I managed to track the bird as it flew off towards Foxholes. I stayed a while in the hope it would return (as many other birds did) but it didn’t. I had a quick look in the field that approaches the camp and in the dung field (in case it had doubled back) but no joy. I also took a drive around Foxholes (just in case) but again, no joy.
Now if I look at any text, this bird should be an Audouin’s Gull. A big call I know! So at present, I’m not calling it as I don’t have enough proof. Needless to say, I will be checking Orcombe out again first thing!
I had a look around this afternoon, as the winds seemed ok for a sea watching session. I aimed for the coastal path and after a while I realised there was nothing doing. Next I thought I would check the dung field. There were a lot of European Herring Gull a Meadow Pipit and a Eurasian Rock Pipit. With not much else there I decided to walk down Gore Lane in the hope of something sheltering in the hedges.
As I got to the gate next to the lane that leads to the camp I noted quite a few more Gulls in that field. I scanned through with my binoculars and picked out a very unusual Gull. It looked like a smaller European Herring Gull and had a red bill. At this point I was torn between setting my scope up for a picture or keep looking. I (in hindsight) regrettably opted for the latter. I was trying to assess the leg colour but that was hampered by the length of the grass. However what I did glimpse, seemed to be a dark colouration. The Gull looked slender in build and I did clock that the primaries seemed to have white tips. At this point I thought “I need to get a photo of this” so I slowly started to get my scope off my back and set it up. With that the bird (and the whole group) took flight.
I managed to track the bird as it flew off towards Foxholes. I stayed a while in the hope it would return (as many other birds did) but it didn’t. I had a quick look in the field that approaches the camp and in the dung field (in case it had doubled back) but no joy. I also took a drive around Foxholes (just in case) but again, no joy.
Now if I look at any text, this bird should be an Audouin’s Gull. A big call I know! So at present, I’m not calling it as I don’t have enough proof. Needless to say, I will be checking Orcombe out again first thing!
A Very Odd Gull Indeed
Mudbank Lane, Exmouth, Devon
I had a brief look after work. Not a great deal going on when I first turned up. A pair of distant Red-breasted Merganser, a single Brant Goose and the regular Gull and Wader species. Matt Knott then turned up and we both started scanning. Matt picked out a Gull that I must of initially overlooked or it turned up after I had scanned that particular group.
Anyway it made us both stop and wonder. Now I am the first to admit that Gulls are my weak point in my birding skills. Yes I can tell the obvious but I do struggle a tad with ageing and subtle differences of the Herring Gull taxon. This bird made us think Hmmm European Herring Gull but a weird one at that and worth a closer look. We both went through the thought process. Subtle hints of American and possible Argentatus etc. etc.
So on to the bird in question. It was a 1st winter individual. The bill colour was pink with a black tip (almost Glaucous looking in structure). Pink legs. One of my shots shows barring on the arse end of the bird. As far as I've read, this is something to look out for when looking for American Herring Gull but it should be excessive and I'm not sure my pictures have captured that much barring. My pictures don't reflect the colouration (I expect Matt has better ones) but it was a drab brown (very uniformed on the neck and chest (another pointer to American?) It was also aggressive to near enough ever other Gull that came into its personal space. Perhaps its just a grumpy Gull but I find myself asking "Is this a trait of a particular species or subspecies? It was noticeably larger than the other Gulls, which actually goes against American as they are generally similar in size and structure. I did think that it wasn't dark enough to be American (text book bird) but I now know that that isn't a reliable driving factor in the ID process.
So then are we on to Argentatus? Now I'm not that great on that subspecies so I need to refresh myself to assess the possibility of this. The only other options left are - Hybrid (due to the size but with what?) but I'm not really on board with this. Or its quite simply a very odd looking European Herring Gull, probably the most likely option.
Just to note, that there was a report of an American Herring Gull on the 18th February at Hayle in Cornwall photo here American Herring Gull, Hayle Estuary, Cornwall unfortunately there's not a lot of detail in the photo to compare but interesting that there has been (and could still be) one out there in the South West.
If nothing else it was an interesting Gull and gave Matt and I something to mull over as there was little else on offer. At present its in the note book as a European Herring Gull but undecided as to whether is Argenteus or Argentatus but there's something going on with this bird in my mind. I guess its the curiosity in me and I hate it when I have to just let a species go a "Its just a weird one". I guess its the OCD in me, that needs to exhaust all avenues to tag it to a particular species before I do admit defeat. If I do come up with anything else I will of course update.
Here are my photos.
I had a brief look after work. Not a great deal going on when I first turned up. A pair of distant Red-breasted Merganser, a single Brant Goose and the regular Gull and Wader species. Matt Knott then turned up and we both started scanning. Matt picked out a Gull that I must of initially overlooked or it turned up after I had scanned that particular group.
Anyway it made us both stop and wonder. Now I am the first to admit that Gulls are my weak point in my birding skills. Yes I can tell the obvious but I do struggle a tad with ageing and subtle differences of the Herring Gull taxon. This bird made us think Hmmm European Herring Gull but a weird one at that and worth a closer look. We both went through the thought process. Subtle hints of American and possible Argentatus etc. etc.
So on to the bird in question. It was a 1st winter individual. The bill colour was pink with a black tip (almost Glaucous looking in structure). Pink legs. One of my shots shows barring on the arse end of the bird. As far as I've read, this is something to look out for when looking for American Herring Gull but it should be excessive and I'm not sure my pictures have captured that much barring. My pictures don't reflect the colouration (I expect Matt has better ones) but it was a drab brown (very uniformed on the neck and chest (another pointer to American?) It was also aggressive to near enough ever other Gull that came into its personal space. Perhaps its just a grumpy Gull but I find myself asking "Is this a trait of a particular species or subspecies? It was noticeably larger than the other Gulls, which actually goes against American as they are generally similar in size and structure. I did think that it wasn't dark enough to be American (text book bird) but I now know that that isn't a reliable driving factor in the ID process.
So then are we on to Argentatus? Now I'm not that great on that subspecies so I need to refresh myself to assess the possibility of this. The only other options left are - Hybrid (due to the size but with what?) but I'm not really on board with this. Or its quite simply a very odd looking European Herring Gull, probably the most likely option.
Just to note, that there was a report of an American Herring Gull on the 18th February at Hayle in Cornwall photo here American Herring Gull, Hayle Estuary, Cornwall unfortunately there's not a lot of detail in the photo to compare but interesting that there has been (and could still be) one out there in the South West.
If nothing else it was an interesting Gull and gave Matt and I something to mull over as there was little else on offer. At present its in the note book as a European Herring Gull but undecided as to whether is Argenteus or Argentatus but there's something going on with this bird in my mind. I guess its the curiosity in me and I hate it when I have to just let a species go a "Its just a weird one". I guess its the OCD in me, that needs to exhaust all avenues to tag it to a particular species before I do admit defeat. If I do come up with anything else I will of course update.
Here are my photos.
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Odd Herring Gull
bird on left being aggressive
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Odd Herring Gull
large pink bill / black tip
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Odd Herring Gull
rear view
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Odd Herring Gull
barring on arse
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Odd Herring Gull
top bird |
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Odd Herring Gull
bird on right
noticeably larg
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Mediterranean Gull
A3052 near Crealy, Devon
After my interesting Buzzard on Sunday I decided to have one more look after work but no joy. I guess it will have to go down as a WTF was that bird.
Otter Estuary, Budleigh Salterton, Devon
I decided to give the Otter a look over to see what Gulls we’re hanging about. On arrival there were 4 Common Ringed Plover resting on the edge of one of the channels. They were accompanied by 2 Dunlin and there were several Common Redshank around. I moved up the footpath, to the first viewing platform and noticed a few Gulls on the river but they were obscured for a lot of the time. In amongst the Black-headed Gulls was a smart adult winter Mediterranean Gull (my first of the year). Try as I might I couldn’t get a photo. The Tawny Owl was roosting in a hole in one of the larger trees to the right hand side of the scrapes. Also on the river was a Little Grebe, some Eurasian Wigeon and Eurasian Teal.
The Gulls looked like they would be viewable from the beach path so I relocated but once I got there they had mostly cleared off. There were however 18 Brant Geese close in and a very brave Eurasian Rock Pipit.
After my interesting Buzzard on Sunday I decided to have one more look after work but no joy. I guess it will have to go down as a WTF was that bird.
Otter Estuary, Budleigh Salterton, Devon
I decided to give the Otter a look over to see what Gulls we’re hanging about. On arrival there were 4 Common Ringed Plover resting on the edge of one of the channels. They were accompanied by 2 Dunlin and there were several Common Redshank around. I moved up the footpath, to the first viewing platform and noticed a few Gulls on the river but they were obscured for a lot of the time. In amongst the Black-headed Gulls was a smart adult winter Mediterranean Gull (my first of the year). Try as I might I couldn’t get a photo. The Tawny Owl was roosting in a hole in one of the larger trees to the right hand side of the scrapes. Also on the river was a Little Grebe, some Eurasian Wigeon and Eurasian Teal.
The Gulls looked like they would be viewable from the beach path so I relocated but once I got there they had mostly cleared off. There were however 18 Brant Geese close in and a very brave Eurasian Rock Pipit.
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| Common Ringed Plover |
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| Eurasian Rock Pipit |
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| Brant Goose |
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| European Herring Gull |
Water Pipit
Cricket pitch, Budleigh Salterton, Devon
After work, Matt Knott alerted me to a Water Pipit that he had viewed earlier in the day. I happened to be up the road looking for the Italian Sparrow at the time. Having already seen the Sparrow a few times, I thought I would give it a miss and decided to head over and have look for the Pipit.
On arrival there were a number of Eurasian Rock Pipit and White (Pied) Wagtail feeding on the Cricket pitch but I couldn’t locate the Water Pipit. Around 30 Common Linnet and a single European Greenfinch were chattering away in the hedges / trees around me.
I then moved to the scrape in the hope it was feeding there. Again no sign but had nice views of 2 Common Snipe. There were good numbers of Gulls comprising of Lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, European Herring Gull and Black-headed Gull. A few Northern Lapwing and a single Eurasian Curlew were busy pottering about. I didn’t see any Common Ringed Plover, which I half expected to see on the scrape.
After a short while, I decided to locate back to the pitch and on the first scan I picked out the Water Pipit. It was rather distant and I tried to get a picture but (I know my photos aren’t great) none are worthy of posting. Nevertheless a nice bird that I don’t get to see that often. So it was great to have had the opportunity. Thanks to Matt for the info.
Western Cattle Egret
Quay, Exmouth, Devon
An early morning look from the Quay in hope of the Bonaparte’s Gull proved fruitless but there were 2 Ruddy Turnstone scuttling around the edges near the dock and 1 Common Eider off the Warren.
Imperial ground, Exmouth
I decided to move on to the Imperial ground area where on arrival there were good numbers of Gulls on the grass area. Many Black-headed Gulls and European Herring Gulls plus 4 Mew Gull but no Bonaparte’s Gull. The Brant Geese were in close by the seems grass area (car park) so viewed them from the car. Also there were a few Dunlin and Red-breasted Merganser. I then noticed a Little Egret and was watching that and noticed a smaller bird tucked away in the sea grass. The bird finally lifted its head to reveal a Western Cattle Egret! I watched it for a moment before deciding to take a photo. I have to take my photos via my iPhone through my scope. As I got out (slowly) to get my scope from the boot, the bird flew. I tracked it as it headed for the rugby ground. As it flew I was able to see the bird better and got all the features for the ID. I went to have a look at the rugby pitch but no joy.
Quay, Shelley Beach and Imperial Ground, Exmouth, Devon
After work I went back for another look for both the Western Cattle Egret and Bonaparte’s Gull at the Quay, Shelley Beach and Imperial Ground after work, with no success. There was however a Common Loon and Common Eider from the Quay.
Just For Fun
Crealy great adventure park, Devon
As we are members, the family visit this place near enough every Sunday. It’s surprising what you see here. A little while back I came across a flock of C50 Black-tailed Godwit feeding near the lake. Nothing so exciting today and this is a little off track but just for fun. I couldn’t resist snapping a picture of this guy. It was grunting like hell as I walked past. As ever with Crealy, lots of Corvids and Gulls.
As we are members, the family visit this place near enough every Sunday. It’s surprising what you see here. A little while back I came across a flock of C50 Black-tailed Godwit feeding near the lake. Nothing so exciting today and this is a little off track but just for fun. I couldn’t resist snapping a picture of this guy. It was grunting like hell as I walked past. As ever with Crealy, lots of Corvids and Gulls.
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| Emu |
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| Rook |
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| European Herring Gull |
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