Sunday 11 January 2009

Lamby - Ring-billed Gull!

Next stop was the Norwegian Church in Cardiff bay where the first winter drake Lesser Scaup had been seen the previous day...

The wind was blowing, the Lesser Scaup and Tufties had all sought shelter elsewhere, never mind - here's the church!!






I am such a convert to Satnav now. It makes journeys through unfamiliar cities so easy. Lamby lake was therefore a doddle to find ten minutes away, hosting a small but quality Gull presence.

First Med Gull of the year, an adult in with the Black heads.....






Two Ring-billed Gulls have been frequenting the site but there was only the 2nd winter bird on show by afternoon. It certainly did show well, posing nicely!!






Sometimes in reflective mood and calling!














Flight shots aplenty....
















Out looking for Ring-billed Gulls, confusion with Common Gulls is the 'norm'. When you've got a RBG in front of you - makes you wonder how you could possibly get confused?? Here's an adult winter Common Gull!






The ice on the lake was still fairly thick but with a thaw is setting in - what do you reckon of this crazy youngster's antics??






A local birder arrived on the scene with news that the Lesser Scaup had been seen from the 'boardwalk' in Cardiff bay. All I had to do was find it - cue satnav - find me Dudley Street!!

And there it was!






Apalling light + distant bird = strictly for the record shot! Even had a scoped wingflap to seal the identity but it looked good on size and head shape alone!








More local info led to distant views of a Slav Grebe uder the road bridge to end a great day cruising round Cardiff - not a bad one eh!!