White-wingers from the Arctic

In recent days there has been a huge influx of Glaucous & Iceland Gulls, so called “White-winged Gulls”, from the high arctic regions. Swept in on the last northerly weather front, they have appeared right across the country, as well as the outer islands and coastal sites, many have been recorded down our east coast. So, a visit to the North Yorkshire coast was in order and on Saturday 14th January, Glyn and I visited Bridlington, Flamborough, Scalby Mills and Scarborough. We had a great day, managing to see both Iceland and Glaucous Gull at Scalby Mills. Further good birds during the day were Purple Sandpiper at Bridlington, Black-necked Grebe, Great Northern Diver and Mediterranean Gull at Scarborough, a Stonechat at Flamborough and a fly-by Long-tailed Duck off Scalby Mills. With a Barn Owl hunting across the Yorkshire Wolds on our way home, my year list moves on to 100.

Glaucous Gull – 1st winter (juvenile) – Above 6 images – Scalby Mills, Yorkshire – Tony Davison©

Iceland Gull – Above 2 images – probably a 2nd winter due to colour of bill and black tip – Scalby Mills, Yorkshire – Tony Davison©

Great Black-backed Gull – adult – Bridlington Harbour – Tony Davison©

Mediterranean Gull – 1st winter (juvenile) – Scarborough – Tony Davison©

Great Northern Diver – 1st winter (juvenile) note the heavy scaly markings on the back. Swimming through a sea of gold, “ain’t nature beautiful”? – Scarborough – Tony Davison©

Stonechat – British race hibernans – male – Above 2 images – Flamborough Head – Tony Davison©