Friday, September 10, 2010

Ogden

Despite the heavy rain early afternoon we headed off to Ogden. We walked up the east side of the res'r and scanned the group of gulls on the shore across on the far bank. We located a very pale winged gull in among c35 B H Gulls, 8 LBB Gulls and 6 Common Gulls at around 1:15. The gull was bathing and flying around the group and we strongly suspected an adult Mediterranean Gull. The heavy rain limited decent views so we legged it round to the far shore.

Sure enough the birds i d was confirmed - an adult Med Gull in winter plumage as it flew around with the other gulls, landing with them on the water and the rocky shoreline. It was still raining heavily and not good for taking any digiscope shots (no scope with me). As the rain stopped it went to the middle of the res'r and then took off with other B H Gulls not to return but flew off towards Mixenden Res at 1:45.

1 juv G C Grebe there along with 1 f Tufted Duck
Posted by at

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

I arrived at 1430hrs and stayed until 1525hrs when the BHGs started to return. There was still no sign of it but thanks for the msgs Dave & Brian.

5:13 pm
Matt Bell said...

Dave - what was the story on Wednesday's possible quail/corncrake?

7:22 pm
David Sutcliffe said...

Nigel - we went up the 'Giant's Tooth' and came back down about 1530 so we must have just missed you. No sign of it returning when we left. I did check Mixenden Res'r a bit later and the local fields for signs of gull flocks, but nothing doing at all. With recent sightings at TMR etc then I am sure there is a possibility of it staying around (?). Let's hope it's around this weekend.

10:02 pm
David Sutcliffe said...

Matt - Steve B was doing a field survey there when he flushed a small game bird twice (not a juv pheasant or partridge though). It flew low in typical game bird fashion and quickly dropped into cover.

I was just nearby up Hunter Hill and we searched further without success.
We thought there is a possibility of a migrant, however there are a few small-holdings around there with small animals etc and we think there is maybe a stronger possibility of an escaped Quail.

It might be a spot to stake out next summer, late evening as the habitat is extensive and with lots of long grasses and sedges looks a distinct possiblilty - though it is very boggy. Groppers been there this summer on and off.

10:16 pm
Dave Barker said...

Dave etal, the med gulls we have had recently at TMR are not stayers in the area, they just pass through, mainly NW along with the flow and to the best of our knowledge like most things at upland waters, they dont come back. No sign of it there either this morning, this afternoon or this evening despite there being an influx of gulls. Anyway good luck with your hunt and Lets hope it turns up. Dave

10:48 pm
AndyC said...

was it ringed ....??

9:32 am

Post a Comment