We spent a day at North Shields Fish Quay, Northumberland on Saturday 3rd January 2015. The fish quay is a great place for “White-winged” Gulls during the winter months and we were not to be disappointed. Two 1st winter Glaucous Gull, a 2nd winter Iceland Gull and a “Viking Gull” (Glaucous x Herring Gull Hybrid) were all on view. I had never seen one of these hybrid types before and I must say I was very impressed with the bird. Numerous Eider were also on view, with some at close quarters. The reflections of the various coloured boats on the water provided some great picture opportunities. Seeing these “Arctic” Gulls at close quarters is a real privilege, especially as the usual view tends to be at long range, bouncing about on the choppy water of an inland reservoir during a winter Gull Roost! I think I know what view I prefer…
Glaucous Gull – 1st winter – Above three images – North Shields, Northumberland – Tony Davison©
“Viking Gull” – (Hybrid Glaucous x Herring Gull) – 1st winter – Above four images – North Shields, Northumberland – Tony Davison©
Iceland Gull – 2nd winter – Above five images – North Shields, Northumberland – Tony Davison© – Note the pale eye indicating 2nd year bird.
Great Black-backed Gull – 2nd winter – North Shields, Northumberland – Tony Davison©
Eider – drake – above two images – North Shields, Northumberland – Tony Davison© – Superb colour reflections from the boats in the harbour.
Cormorant – Late afternoon contre jour – North Shields, Northumberland – Tony Davison©
North Shields Fish Quay, Northumberland – Tony Davison© – Late afternoon moon rise.
