Mediterranean Gull (Larus melanocephalus)

Another poor quality picture of today's Med Gull at Stoneybeck Lake.

(Bishop Middleham Bird List No.132 Mediterranean Gull).

Sunday 13th March 2011

Reports today from myself and John Olley.

Castle Lake
6 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Cormorant, single Barnacle Goose, 4 Shelduck, 2 Shoveler, 1f Goldeneye, 5 Goosander, 25 Golden Plover over west, 18 Lapwing, 100 Curlew onto A1 Flashes, 16 Oystercatcher, 10+ Redshank, 4 Stock Dove, 4+ Skylark, 2+ Meadow Pipit over north, 2 Pied Wagtail & a male Reed Bunting.

A1 Flashes
6 Shoveler, Green Sandpiper & 2 Meadow Pipit over north.

Stoneybeck Lake
An adult Mediterranean Gull with an almost full black hood was found amongst the many Black-headed & Common Gull's; also seen were a Great Crested Grebe, 2 Little Grebe, Grey Heron, 2 Shelduck, 8 Shoveler, 3 Common Buzzard soaring together just east of the lake, 2 Oystercatcher, 2 Redshank and various numbers of Gadwall, Teal, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Moorhen, Coot, Lapwing, Curlew & Skylark.

Poor record shot of today's Med Gull.

Blowing a Hooley

A couple of hours at a very windy Castle Lake this morning where the following were of interest;

6 Great Crested Grebe, 3 Shelduck (with another pair on the A1 Flashes), 9 Oystercatcher & 62 Curlew.
No sign of any of the 11 Whooper Swan's reported from yesterday.

Tuesday 8th March 2011

Birdguides reporting two Whooper Swan on Castle Lake today.

Wilson's Phalarope 2007

Video of the adult female Wilson's Phalarope that visited Castle Lake between 15th & 18th August 2007 with thanks to Paul Hindess.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8t8pZKA0eHk

Monday 7th March 2011

A case of quantity over quality today with the following seen on Castle Lake;

5 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Little Grebe, 2 Mute Swan, 56 Canada Geese, 5 Shelduck, 1f Goldeneye, 1 Sparrowhawk, 105+ Coot, 24 Oystercatcher (new site record?), 1 Dunlin, 130 Curlew, 7+ Redshank, 150 Black-headed Gull, 300 Common Gull & 3 Pied Wagtail.
Great Spotted Woodpecker & Treecreeper were noted along Foumarts Lane.

Curlew on Castle Lake this afternoon.

Saturday 5th March 2011

Birds seen today included the following;

Stoneybeck Lake
A report of approximately 20 Whooper Swan flying over early morning.

Castle Lake
Now 5 Great Crested Grebe present including a pair displaying, 8 Dunlin, 1pr Pintail, 1 Snipe & a Lesser Black-backed Gull.

A1 Flashes
drake Shoveler, 16 Oystercatcher and the wintering Green Sandpiper. 

Oystercatcher numbers continue to increase on the A1 Flashes.