At least 3 or 4 visits a week but unfortunately its Gull desertion at Redgate now.
Only things of note in last few visits.. - Grey Wagtail - Pied Wagtail - 2 Sparrowhawk - c40+ Carrion Crows again - 1m Greenfinch
Rob Creek said
Sat Mar 16 10:48 AM, 2024
Gull numbers have fell off a cliff recently and no rarities in sight, to be expected since were in March. So despite numerous visits each week, not much to report.
Sun 10th March - Argenteus Herring Gull with pale yellow legs
Mon 11th March - 20+ ad Lesser Black-backed Gull
Weds 13th March - 5 Redwings with 1 Mistle Thrush at BCA end of Redgate Lane this morning - minimum 42 Carrion Crows on & around 384 building
Reply from Czech ringing group today regarding Caspian Gull 919:U It is down as a Caspian Gull on their data but I think there does look to be possible Herring influence.
Ringer : Jan Havlicek Ringed as a chick 06.05.23 Location : eské Budjovice, Jihoeský kraj, Czech Republic
The bird has been reported 5 times since fledging, all in the same region it was hatched (and all within a couple of months of ringing) so this is the 1st sighting since July last year.
Rob Creek said
Tue Feb 20 8:12 AM, 2024
Mon 19th Feb. Went back late afternoon to see if anything was about and struck good.
- 1st w Caspian Gull 919:U Looks to be Czech ringed. Looks ok to me but we will see, it will be submitted as usual.
Few dark eyed Herring Gulls around too, giving an unusual look but they are just Herring Gulls Im sure.
Mon 19th Feb Day off work due to half term so a couple of visits with Lucas.
Lunchtime. - 1st w Caspian Gull Picked up in flight only around the yard and over Copping Street (the side street at the Hyde Rd end of Redgate Lane). I lost it in my bins as it flew over the corner building. Damn! I had to let it go as I had a few errands to do.
Rob Creek said
Sun Feb 18 10:18 AM, 2024
4 visits during the week and a much reduced number of large Gulls noted.
Only things of note.. - 5 Argentatus Herring Gulls Friday lunchtime - 2 Ring-necked Parakeets over on Saturday morning. - Grey & Pied Wagtail present both visits
Rob Creek said
Sat Feb 10 4:21 PM, 2024
Sat 10th Feb.
- 1st w Caspian Gull (2CY) late morning. An absolute beauty of a bird that showed well on the 384 roof and in the yard, but wasnt seen again after 11.50pm.
- adult Yellow-legged Gull An absolute spanker of a bird, immaculate plumage. Landed on 384 roof at start of my tacho break, showed well, flew round a bit then was still present 45 minutes later when I left.
Also - Herring Gull 158:C Irish ringed
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Tuesday 6th of February 2024 07:19:31 PM
Also what I forgot to mention, on the last few visits (Fri, Sat, Sun) different vehicles have been parked over the viewing point. One of the trucks was parked there on Saturday afternoon and as a result the image of the Caspian Gull appears bluey green tinted as I had to focus the camera through its 2 door windows to get a shot.
Rob Creek said
Mon Jan 22 2:22 PM, 2024
Sat 20th Jan
- 3rd W Caspian Gull (looks ok, will be submitted) - Herring Gull with yellow legs - c15+ Argentatus Gulls
- Herring Gull N:81C - Herring Gull 159:C - Herring Gull with possible white ring (managed to get image of it and N:81C in same view, it was stood up on top of 384 roof) - c15 Argentatus Gulls .. possibly more on other roofs
Reply from Mike Jackson regarding Herring Gull Y:561 from Boxing Day. (Missed the email totally).
Ringed 20/05/16 Rufforth Waste Disposal site, York Sighted 21/01/19 Whinney Hill Tip, Altham, Lancashire Sighted 23/01/19 Whinney Hill Tip, Altham, Lancashire Sighted 12/03/19 Pilsworth Landfill,near Bury, Greater Manchester
Rob Creek said
Mon Jan 15 5:32 PM, 2024
Few visits last weekend, during the week and weekend just gone.
Only Gulls of note .. - Herring Gull 159:C on Friday afternoon - Herring Gull N:26E on Sunday morning - and a Herring Gull that stood out with a heavily streaked head
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Monday 15th of January 2024 05:34:53 PM
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Monday 15th of January 2024 06:41:50 PM
Afternoon quick visit around 2.50pm on way back from Liverpool. - Herring Gull Irish ringed 159:C - 2 Grey Wagtails
Got back to work, they gave us an early dart so went back. - 1w Caspian Gull - frustratingly it didnt land but I was fairly sure it was X3EU - Herring Gull 159:C still
Rob Creek said
Mon Jan 8 12:24 AM, 2024
Tues 2nd Jan Afternoon visit - had only just got in work after booking the morning off when I had to do a delivery in town, so who was I to argue at another chance to stop off here
- No sign of Caspian Gull X3EU but of note a green ringed Gull N:7B1, dont know if its a Lesser Black-backed or Herring, should find out soon enough.
- 1st W Caspian Gull X3EU (now 2CY) Showed well this afternoon in main yard, certainly looks a lot better than it did the other day in poor light. Despite it being what some people call German Muck from a mixed colony, I actually think its a good looking individual.
Also today.. - same 2 Yellow legged Herring Gulls - Herring Gull N:26E again - c25 ad Great Black-backed Gulls - some nice looking 1w & 2w GBb
Sun 31st Dec (New Years Eve) 3 visits today with my lad but it wasnt plain sailing.
Morning visit. The usual Sunday African gospel church was in full swing so finding a decent parking spot was a bit tricky. Many people arriving and walking about, as a result the Gulls were mainly airborne but did land a few times. - c30 ad Great Black-backed Gulls - 1 ad Lesser Black-backed Gull - 2 Common Gulls - Herring Gull with yellow legs
Lunchtime visit before Debdale. Again very busy, the car park and the road infront of the 384 building was busy with people, so yet again many of the Gulls were airborne, a small number were in the yard, some flew off to BCA roof and a good proportion headed towards Openshaw. - Herring Gull with yellow legs still
Afternoon visit after Debdale & Salford Quays. Not that many Gulls present, mainly all in yard. - now 2 Herring Gulls with yellow legs, the regular one and a clean headed one, its legs not as yellow - c12 Long-tailed Tit flock - 2 Grey Wagtails - 3 x 1w Pied Wagtails (still got yellowy faces)
- 1st w Caspian Gull X3EU was reported present 12.20pm, I was present at that time so I missed that one, I didnt see any other birders present either to be fair, I wouldnt have minded a better look at that one.
- Herring Gull 159:C Irish ringed again - Yellow legged Herring Gull again - c25 ad Great Black-backed Gulls - 3 Common Gulls - 1 Grey Wagtail - 1 Sparrowhawk patrolling - 1 Ring-necked Parakeet
Rob Creek said
Sat Dec 30 9:52 AM, 2023
Another reply literally in the last few moments, from Ronald Klein.
Caspian Gull X3EU Ringed 04.06.23 Berlin Seen 24.10.23 Berlin Next sighting is Redgate
Rob Creek said
Sat Dec 30 9:42 AM, 2023
Great Black-backed Gull JX313
Ringed 23.06.12 Finnmark, Norway Seen at Redgate 31.12.21 Not reported since up until yesterday
Rob Creek said
Sat Dec 30 9:22 AM, 2023
Fri 29th Dec
First chance Ive had since Boxing Day to see whats around, and I have to say it was a productive visit even though it was late afternoon in fading light.
- 1st winter Caspian Gull X3EU Picked it up in flight and as luck would have it, it landed on the 384 roof. Looks to be German ringed and probably from a mixed colony with HG, YLG, & LBb. - c30+ adult Great Black-backed Gulls Including Norwegian ringed adult JX313
Just as I was leaving I was sure I had a 1w Caspian Gull in flight around the yard. It reappeared in flight then disappeared just as quickly. I couldnt stay though as we were taking Lucas to a Panto.
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Friday 29th of December 2023 04:53:07 PM
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Friday 29th of December 2023 04:56:43 PM
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Friday 29th of December 2023 06:52:50 PM
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Friday 29th of December 2023 06:54:35 PM
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Saturday 30th of December 2023 09:00:01 AM
I think its just a Herring Gull, not enough on it to be anything else I dont think.
Rob Creek said
Tue Dec 26 9:10 AM, 2023
Sat 23rd Dec
- c25 ad Great Black-backed Gulls - 4 Ring-necked Parakeets over
Sun 24th Dec (Xmas Eve)
- Herring Gull with yellow legs mid afternoon - interesting 1st w Gull that could be just a Herring Gull (A large, long legged individual, heavy billed, interesting tertial pattern - could be just wear)
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Tuesday 26th of December 2023 09:12:24 AM
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Tuesday 26th of December 2023 09:12:45 AM
Fri 15th Dec Afternoon visit on way back from Liverpool.
- probable adult Yellow-legged Gull If Im incorrect with the ID then I will amend the post no problem. Probably not the best of examples I will say that, but seemed to show some decent features that would lend themselves to this species.
- adult Caspian Gull possibly same bird as this morning.
- Herring Gull N:05M was ringed at Woodyards, Bowland, Lancs on 05.07.22 so now in its 2nd winter. - Herring Gull 7X5B looks to be Jez Blackburns so info will be sent over asap
- 1st w Caspian Gull on rubbish mound in yard Sunday afternoon. Stayed for about 5 minutes then flew off. - 8 Argentatus Herring Gulls - 1st w Gull Im unsure of as yet well see
Only things of note in last few visits..
- Grey Wagtail
- Pied Wagtail
- 2 Sparrowhawk
- c40+ Carrion Crows again
- 1m Greenfinch
So despite numerous visits each week, not much to report.
Sun 10th March
- Argenteus Herring Gull with pale yellow legs
Mon 11th March
- 20+ ad Lesser Black-backed Gull
Weds 13th March
- 5 Redwings with 1 Mistle Thrush at BCA end of Redgate Lane this morning
- minimum 42 Carrion Crows on & around 384 building
Reply from Czech ringing group today regarding Caspian Gull 919:U
It is down as a Caspian Gull on their data but I think there does look to be possible Herring influence.
Ringer : Jan Havlicek
Ringed as a chick 06.05.23
Location : eské Budjovice, Jihoeský kraj, Czech Republic
The bird has been reported 5 times since fledging, all in the same region it was hatched (and all within a couple of months of ringing) so this is the 1st sighting since July last year.
Went back late afternoon to see if anything was about and struck good.
- 1st w Caspian Gull 919:U
Looks to be Czech ringed. Looks ok to me but we will see, it will be submitted as usual.
Few dark eyed Herring Gulls around too, giving an unusual look but they are just Herring Gulls Im sure.
Day off work due to half term so a couple of visits with Lucas.
Lunchtime.
- 1st w Caspian Gull
Picked up in flight only around the yard and over Copping Street (the side street at the Hyde Rd end of Redgate Lane). I lost it in my bins as it flew over the corner building.
Damn! I had to let it go as I had a few errands to do.
Only things of note..
- 5 Argentatus Herring Gulls Friday lunchtime
- 2 Ring-necked Parakeets over on Saturday morning.
- Grey & Pied Wagtail present both visits
- 1st w Caspian Gull (2CY) late morning.
An absolute beauty of a bird that showed well on the 384 roof and in the yard, but wasnt seen again after 11.50pm.
Tacho break late afternoon.
- adult Yellow-legged Gull
An absolute spanker of a bird, immaculate plumage. Landed on 384 roof at start of my tacho break, showed well, flew round a bit then was still present 45 minutes later when I left.
Also
- Herring Gull 158:C Irish ringed
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Tuesday 6th of February 2024 07:19:31 PM
- 5 Ring-necked Parakeets over Redgate Lane, pm.
Sat 3rd Feb, am.
- Herring Gull with yellow legs (regular bird)
- Herring Gull N:26E again
- c10 Argentatus Gulls
- c60 Pink-footed Geese high over
Of note..
- Herring Gull with yellow legs
- Herring Gull N:26E again
- c20 Argentatus Herring Gulls
- 6 ad Great Black-backed Gulls
- 2 ad Lesser Black-backed Gulls
- 1 Common Gull
- 1 Pied Wagtail
- 1 Grey Wagtail
- Herring Gull with yellow legs still present
- c20+ Argentatus Gulls
- 1 Grey Wagtail
- c15-20 Goldfinch
- 9 Redwings over
- Only Gull of note was the Herring Gull with yellow legs on Friday afternoon and Saturday lunchtime.
Today .. on way back from Widnes.
- adult Yellow-legged Gull
- Herring Gull 159:C
- c15 (again) Argentatus Gulls
- 2 Common Gulls
Also what I forgot to mention, on the last few visits (Fri, Sat, Sun) different vehicles have been parked over the viewing point. One of the trucks was parked there on Saturday afternoon and as a result the image of the Caspian Gull appears bluey green tinted as I had to focus the camera through its 2 door windows to get a shot.
- 3rd W Caspian Gull (looks ok, will be submitted)
- Herring Gull with yellow legs
- c15+ Argentatus Gulls
- Herring Gull N:81C
- Herring Gull 159:C
- Herring Gull with possible white ring
(managed to get image of it and N:81C in same view, it was stood up on top of 384 roof)
- c15 Argentatus Gulls .. possibly more on other roofs
N:7B1 from 2nd Jan.
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Ringed 06.07.23 Brennand, Bowland, Lancs
(Missed the email totally).
Ringed 20/05/16 Rufforth Waste Disposal site, York
Sighted 21/01/19 Whinney Hill Tip, Altham, Lancashire
Sighted 23/01/19 Whinney Hill Tip, Altham, Lancashire
Sighted 12/03/19 Pilsworth Landfill,near Bury, Greater Manchester
Only Gulls of note ..
- Herring Gull 159:C on Friday afternoon
- Herring Gull N:26E on Sunday morning
- and a Herring Gull that stood out with a heavily streaked head
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Monday 15th of January 2024 05:34:53 PM
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Monday 15th of January 2024 06:41:50 PM
Afternoon quick visit around 2.50pm on way back from Liverpool.
- Herring Gull Irish ringed 159:C
- 2 Grey Wagtails
Got back to work, they gave us an early dart so went back.
- 1w Caspian Gull - frustratingly it didnt land but I was fairly sure it was X3EU
- Herring Gull 159:C still
Afternoon visit - had only just got in work after booking the morning off when I had to do a delivery in town, so who was I to argue at another chance to stop off here
- No sign of Caspian Gull X3EU but of note a green ringed Gull N:7B1, dont know if its a Lesser Black-backed or
Herring, should find out soon enough.
Mid-morning visit in poor weather so viewing was difficult.
- 1st W Caspian Gull X3EU on roof at opposite end of Redgate Lane near PDSA Veterinary Centre.
- 1st W Caspian Gull X3EU (now 2CY)
Showed well this afternoon in main yard, certainly looks a lot better than it did the other day in poor light. Despite it being what some people call German Muck from a mixed colony, I actually think its a good looking individual.
Also today..
- same 2 Yellow legged Herring Gulls
- Herring Gull N:26E again
- c25 ad Great Black-backed Gulls
- some nice looking 1w & 2w GBb
3 visits today with my lad but it wasnt plain sailing.
Morning visit.
The usual Sunday African gospel church was in full swing so finding a decent parking spot was a bit tricky. Many people arriving and walking about, as a result the Gulls were mainly airborne but did land a few times.
- c30 ad Great Black-backed Gulls
- 1 ad Lesser Black-backed Gull
- 2 Common Gulls
- Herring Gull with yellow legs
Lunchtime visit before Debdale.
Again very busy, the car park and the road infront of the 384 building was busy with people, so yet again many of the Gulls were airborne, a small number were in the yard, some flew off to BCA roof and a good proportion headed towards Openshaw.
- Herring Gull with yellow legs still
Afternoon visit after Debdale & Salford Quays.
Not that many Gulls present, mainly all in yard.
- now 2 Herring Gulls with yellow legs, the regular one and a clean headed one, its legs not as yellow
- c12 Long-tailed Tit flock
- 2 Grey Wagtails
- 3 x 1w Pied Wagtails (still got yellowy faces)
- 1st w Caspian Gull X3EU was reported present 12.20pm, I was present at that time so I missed that one, I didnt see any other birders present either to be fair, I wouldnt have minded a better look at that one.
- Herring Gull 159:C Irish ringed again
- Yellow legged Herring Gull again
- c25 ad Great Black-backed Gulls
- 3 Common Gulls
- 1 Grey Wagtail
- 1 Sparrowhawk patrolling
- 1 Ring-necked Parakeet
Caspian Gull X3EU
Ringed 04.06.23 Berlin
Seen 24.10.23 Berlin
Next sighting is Redgate
Ringed 23.06.12 Finnmark, Norway
Seen at Redgate 31.12.21
Not reported since up until yesterday
First chance Ive had since Boxing Day to see whats around, and I have to say it was a productive visit even though it was late afternoon in fading light.
- 1st winter Caspian Gull X3EU
Picked it up in flight and as luck would have it, it landed on the 384 roof. Looks to be German ringed and probably from a mixed colony with HG, YLG, & LBb.
- c30+ adult Great Black-backed Gulls
Including Norwegian ringed adult JX313
- Herring Gull Y:561 in yard
Just as I was leaving I was sure I had a 1w Caspian Gull in flight around the yard. It reappeared in flight then disappeared just as quickly. I couldnt stay though as we were taking Lucas to a
Panto.
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Friday 29th of December 2023 04:53:07 PM
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Friday 29th of December 2023 04:56:43 PM
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Friday 29th of December 2023 06:52:50 PM
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Friday 29th of December 2023 06:54:35 PM
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Saturday 30th of December 2023 09:00:01 AM
- c25 ad Great Black-backed Gulls
- 4 Ring-necked Parakeets over
Sun 24th Dec (Xmas Eve)
- Herring Gull with yellow legs mid afternoon
- interesting 1st w Gull that could be just a Herring Gull
(A large, long legged individual, heavy billed, interesting tertial pattern - could be just wear)
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Tuesday 26th of December 2023 09:12:24 AM
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Tuesday 26th of December 2023 09:12:45 AM
- 20+ ad Great Black-backed Gulls
- 4 Common Gulls chasing Black-headed
- c40 Redwings (with a few Fieldfare) over
Ringed 08.07.21 Langdon Head, Bowland, Lancs.
Sighted 31.01.22 Heysham Harbour, Lancs
Sighted 12.08.22 Heysham Harbour, Lancs
It is actually 7X5B
Ringed 21.08.15 Rufforth Waste Disposal, York
Sighted 15.08.18 Scaling Dam, North Yorkshire
Not seen in over 5 years
Afternoon visit on return from Liverpool.
- 2nd w Caspian Gull 1.B still. On 384 roof & in yard.
Nice to see Pete Kinsella & co today.
- 1st winter Caspian Gull early afternoon
Couple of visits am/pm, the latter being the most productive.
- Dutch ringed 2w Caspian Gull in yard literally for seconds, probably 1.B again.
- probable adult Yellow-legged Gull
- 21 ad Great Black-backed Gulls
- 10 Argentatus Herring Gulls
- 6 Common Gulls
- 1 Grey Wagtail
- 1 Jay
Afternoon visit on way back from Liverpool.
- probable adult Yellow-legged Gull
If Im incorrect with the ID then I will amend the post no problem. Probably not the best of examples I will say that, but seemed to show some decent features that would lend themselves to this species.
- adult Caspian Gull possibly same bird as this morning.
- adult Caspian Gull on 384 roof 8.30am
2w Caspian Gull reported early afternoon but no sign when I arrived on my way back from working in Liverpool.
However a few bits of interest.
- Herring Gull 159:C Irish orange ring (and Monday)
- Herring Gull N:14L probable Bowland, Lancs bird
- min 9 Argentatus Herring Gulls
- 2 Grey Wagtails
Afternoon visit, nipped out from work for my lunch-break.
- 2 x 2nd winter Caspian Gulls
The 1st one is the red ringed 1.B that was here in August last year as a juvenile
The 2nd one is the same bird that was here 27.11.23
Confirmation email today that it hasnt been seen since 12 months ago here, or at least hasnt been reported if sighted.
- Herring Gull N:26E a year to the day since I last saw it here.
- Ringed 27th January 2022 Sefton Park
- seen September & October 2022 Germany
- seen 7th October 2023 Germany
- Yellow legged Herring Gull on 384
(same bird thats been here recently)
- 2CY Herring Gull 159:C
(another previous visitor)
- c10 Argentatus Gulls
- Black-headed Gull 224E
Looks to be one of Steve Christmas/ Kane Brides birds.
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Sunday 3rd of December 2023 10:00:39 PM
- Herring Gull 7X5B looks to be Jez Blackburns so info will be sent over asap
Forgot I had some ringed stuff too.
- Herring Gull 159:C orange
- Herring Gull N:05M Green
- Herring Gull 7X5L Yellow
The last one may need clarification on the ring code.
Afternoon visit for my lunchbreak, around 200 large Gulls.
- 2nd w Caspian Gull
- 15+ Argentatus Gulls
- 2 Common Gulls
- 1st w Caspian Gull on rubbish mound in yard Sunday afternoon. Stayed for about 5 minutes then flew off.
- 8 Argentatus Herring Gulls
- 1st w Gull Im unsure of as yet well see
- 4 Common Gulls chasing Black-headed Gulls
- 6 Argentatus Herring Gulls
- Yellow legged Herring Gull again
- 2 Grey Wagtails
- 3 Pied Wagtails
- c400 Starlings