Glaucous Gull


This morning I took a trip to one of my old stamping grounds, Beddington Sewage Farm. If I'm being honest, due to the presence of a Glaucous Gull I panicked and went early, as I have a visit already lined up to the farm this coming Thursday. I had yet to record this species at Beddington - and, as a big bonus, it was also a Uber patch tick! For some reason Glaucous Gulls have eluded me locally, whereas Icelands have been easier to come by:

1994    Mercer’s Farm, Holmethorpe
             An adult roosting on the fields on 2 January 
1997    Mercer’s Lake, Holmethorpe
             An adult at first light on 1 January, apparently having roosted overnight with several thousand other gulls
2010    Beddington SF
             A first-winter on the north lake on 27 December
2012    Beddington SF
             Three birds, (a first-w Kumlien’s and two second-winters) on 18 February; a first-summer on 28 April and 5 May
2016    Canons Farm, Banstead
             A first-winter on 28 February

Success! The bird appeared at the top of the landfill banking at approx 09.30hrs and was still present three hours later. We were able to approach the bird fairly closely, managing to obtain a few images with the bridge camera. The flight shot comes courtesy of Peter Alfrey, who together with Frank Prater allowed me to join them within the magic kingdom.


Pale iris and tipped bill a good feature of 2nd-winter birds

Other highlights included a Little Egret, 150 Teal, a Water Rail, two Green Sandpipers, a Kingfisher, seven Water Pipits and a brief burst of Cetti's Warbler.

Comments

Factor said…
Well, there’s a thing. Never thought I would have seen a species of bird at Beddington before you Steve! Saw mine a few years ago - I’ve a post about it somewhere.
17 January 2019 at 22:25
Factor said…
Seen two in fact. One in Feb 2012 and the other on a memorable day in Jan 2013. Never seen one at Holmethorpe though!
17 January 2019 at 22:30
Steve Gale said…
I bet there are a few more species that you have seen at Beddington which I haven't. As for a Glaucous at Holmethorpe - that'd be welcome Neil!
18 January 2019 at 09:04
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