A rare North American gull was discovered a few days ago at Rutland Water on the Egleton Nature Reserve. The first winter Bonaparte’s Gull was a first record for the site and a rare bird to see inland. I made the trip to see this bird on 24th April 2021 and it showed very well, albeit distantly, on Lagoon 4 from the Sandpiper Hide.
Also here were Grey Plover, Greenshank, Dunlin, Avocet, Little Ringed Plover, Redshank, 14 Little Gull, several Little Egret and a selection of common waterfowl. Lots of warblers around, including Sedge Warbler and Reed Warbler. Also the usual site held a small quantity of Snake’s Head Fritillary.





