Caspian Gull ~ 2nd. W ~ Dungeness, Kent - 24.09.17

Tuesday 26 September 2017

Upon arrival at Dungeness the conditions seemed promising as I favour east or south-east winds but it was a slight breeze of 5mph and still plenty of  Terns being harassed by at least 7 Arctic Skua's ..
As the high tide dropped away so the Terns disappeared along with the Skua's, the sunny afternoon then clouded over and the gull turnover ceased ..

Two of  Thames Gull Massive had long since given in to there twitching fix and left the beach for a sparrow or pigeon whatever it was it didn't matter as it wasn't a Gull and doesn't count towards the seasonal figures ..

By now most of gear had been packed away as the afternoon had dragged on long enough but cruising down the beach came a welcomed sight of  long wings with black tail bar it was a 2nd. winter Caspian which kick-started panic for the must have record shot,
Once the messages had gone out the task of obtaining better images took over and the panic faded to a 3-1 lead.

       
   












The bird looked familar so checked last years and found a similar if not the same bird from the 14.08.16 ??


Caspian Gull ~ 1cy ~ Dungeness, Kent - 16.09.17

Sunday 17 September 2017

Conditions seemed good for great day on the beach at Dungeness, light winds with a bit of rain then brightening up late on and an in-coming tide ...

Gannets in close diving off the back of a fishing boat, with at least four Arctic Skua's chasing the Terns and a juvenile Eider taking a rest on the beach with the gulls ..

Another Caspian Gull came in probable female smaller than last weeks bird and more advanced with its moult into 1st winter plumage ..

  





















Caspian Gull ~ 1cy ~ Dungeness, Kent - 10.09.17

Sunday 10 September 2017

A month later than last year and at last the seasons first Caspian a smart 1st cycle bird ..