More Gulls

Yesterday morning found us partaking in another gull watching session at the Larus capital of Walsall, Stubber's Green along with Reg and his Dad Ray.

It was quiet at first, with the usual array of Herring Gulls, LBBGs, BH Gulls and a few Common Gulls, although we noted an increase in the number of GBBGs. Also Cormorant, Teal, Tufted Duck, Lapwing and a Little Grebe.

Nothing out of the ordinary, until we spotted this interesting gull, just as we were about to leave. We were drawn to it by it's striking white head (with a bit of brown streaking at the back of the neck) and a black beady eye, In case you can't tell, its legs were pink.

Although we noted some Caspian-like features, other things were less clear cut, the bird lacked other Casp features like long legs and the head and body shape wasn't a perfect fit, looking more Herring like. We just weren't quite sure.

Reg did well to get digiscoped shots of the bird before it flew off...

http://regthebirder.blogspot.com/

Thankfully, Reg got these pics and we were able to ask for help on Bird Forum. Here is the debate for anyone who's interested. The thread seems to be leaning towards 3rd winter Herring Gull, although going by some of the pics online ours was extremely white headed for this time of year and it didn't look like any Herring I've seen before. Anyway, nobody said gulls were going to be easy; it's the diversity and the challenge of them that makes them such a fascinating group of birds.

We toyed with the idea of a walk round Chasewater, but we were all freezing by now. Reg and Ray headed home, but for Max and me it was time for something fluffy and cute. We made our way to suburban Codsall in Staffs, where we watched the seven Waxwings for about an hour and a half.

Digiscoped photo by Max...

This was only my second encounter with Waxwings, the first being the solitary (and rather inactive) bird in Allestree, Derby this January. This time we saw the birds in flight a number of times as they commuted between the top of this conifer tree and the berry trees in the front garden of the house. We were also able to learn their trilling call; something we will hopefully hear a lot more of this winter. Love them!