- adult Iceland Gull still present, in flight then resting on Redgate roof, viewed from Hyde Rd. - Herring Gull Y:992 present again - min 9 Argentatus Herring Gulls
Also had a reply from Mike Jackson regarding recent sightings of his ringed Gulls, not much to add to previous ringing histories. Y:685 - not seen since I had it here in Sept, Oct, and Nov 2019 Y:992 - had it here twice in Dec, looks to be overwintering in GM
- a yellow legged Argentatus Herring Gull present on both visits, a first for me, only ever seen one Argenteus with yellow legs and that was here too a few years back.
- Herring Gull Y:992 present too
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Friday 12th of February 2021 09:27:23 PM
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Friday 12th of February 2021 09:28:22 PM
a.m. of note... - 5 Pied Wagtail - 2 Grey Wagtail - 1 Sparrowhawk through - 2 Great Tit - 6 Common Gull - 1 tiny adult Lesser Black-backed Gull (Didnt look much bigger than a Common Gull)
p.m. of note - Herring Gull T:301 Looks to be a Scottish ringed Gull, from Aberdeen.
Had to go in to the office yesterday so stopped at Redgate on the way home, mid afternoon.
A 3rd winter Caspian Gull was on the roof closest to the yard not long after I arrived but unfortunately it flew off after a short while and I didn't see it again in the time I was present. The light wasn't great either so only managed a couple of 'record shots'.
No sign of any Iceland Gulls.
Rob Creek said
Tue Feb 9 7:12 PM, 2021
Tuesday afternoon.
- Juvenile Iceland Gull Very active but showing well at times in the yard, on 384 roof, and in flight. First seen at 3.41pm and observed until just gone 4pm
Also Herring Gull Y:685 that Ive not seen since Nov 2019 so basically last winter. But the Herring Gull I saw in December here with the partially obscured ring could well be this one, looking at the eyes and the bill pattern. Not sure!
Afternoon visit on way to pick Lucas up from nursery. Probably around 150 large Gulls very active around the site.
- Juvenile and adult Iceland Gull
Juvenile seen in flight briefly but it disappeared in the melee of Gulls. I picked it up again but it disappeared again. Adult seen in flight briefly but as I followed it in my bins it flew behind the corner building near Hyde Rd and I didnt see it again. A quick look at the rubbish mound revealed some familiar plumage, just a bit of mantle showing. Then just to annoy me, everything took to the air due to moving yard machinery. The juv Iceland Gull was the first one to return and showed for all but around 10 seconds before flying off.
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Monday 8th of February 2021 11:35:56 PM
Couple of hours this morning after dropping Lucas at nursery, and things looking a bit more like it here... more Gulls seemingly landing on the 384 roof since the dead Gull vanished.
Of note... - 6 Pied Wagtails - 11 Argentatus Gulls
Also what I thought could possibly have been Caspian Gull, albeit an unusual individual in my opinion. Initially I thought it showed a few pro Caspian features that drew me in for checking more closely... - dark eye, head shape, long legs, full chest, unusual gait / jizz, pale tongues extending into the black primaries evident in flight.
But then other features I thought were a bit confusing... - Yellow legs, bill although not heavy- has a clearly visible gonys angle, and pale tongues- possibly similar to Herring Gull.
It appears some features are just not right but an interesting bird nonetheless. - appears to have no black on P5, large white mirror on P9, bill colour is bright, no pale moons, leg colour is unusual, and the tongues are suspect (as I suspected).
For now its true identity is unknown, a possible hybrid, I will await any further comments in due course.
Rob Creek said
Mon Feb 1 9:35 AM, 2021
Quick visit Saturday morning. - 6 Pied Wagtails - 1 Grey Wagtail - notably some Common Gulls chasing Black-headeds but not many Gulls present
Quick visit Sunday afternoon after nipping to ASDA. The dead Herring Gull has gone, dont know who, how, the whys or wherefores???
Monday 1st Feb. Quick call in this morning... - c30 large Gulls earlier on 384 roof, some coming and going, Herring with Great Black-backed, more in the air around the yard. - Goldcrest calling near Stoodleys sign opp Redgate yard - Sparrowhawk over / straight through E - 2 Pied Wagtail - 1 Robin
Rob Creek said
Thu Jan 28 9:32 AM, 2021
A reply from Mike Jackson regarding the York ringed Herring Gull Y:843
Ringed 04/11/16 - Rufforth Waste Disposal, York, code 8 hatched 3+ years ago. Sighted 29/07/17 - Staithes Harbour, North Yorkshire.
Rob Creek said
Mon Jan 25 3:10 PM, 2021
Monday 25th Jan.
Furlough day. Dropped Lucas off at nursery and popped round the corner to Redgate for a quick look in, not had much chance recently with the roads being blocked due to the Hyde Rd burst mains.
A light dusting of snow during the night covering the roofs and the dead Gull probably helped the birds confidence to rest on the 384 roof as quite a few were on it.
Been a bit of a nightmare to call in here since Friday when someone dug through the water mains on Hyde Rd, Gorton. With traffic being filtered through Reddish and Levenshulme, its been virtually impossible to just make the short journey there, it takes over an hour going all the way round!
Ive been on furlough since Friday (changing day to day) so Ive been on nursery duties and managed to call in last 2 mornings.
Still not many Gulls and hardly any on the main viewable roofs. - 2 Grey Wagtail - 2 Pied Wagtail - 1 Raven high over - 12 (9,2,1) Redwings through S yesterday
Rob Creek said
Thu Jan 14 9:08 AM, 2021
Weds 13th Jan
Stopped off for an afternoon break on way back into depot.
- c150 Black-headed Gulls (38 on 384 roof Hyde Rd end) - c200 Starling (flying around near main yard) - c40 Goldfinch (flying round Pottery La / BCA car park)
Rob Creek said
Wed Jan 13 2:15 PM, 2021
Also from yesterday (Tuesday)...
On way to pick Lucas up from nursery and as I passed Redgate there were 51 Black-headed Gulls on the 384 building all at the outermost part of the roof at Hyde Rd end, well away from the dead Gull.
Rob Creek said
Tue Jan 12 9:28 AM, 2021
Success this morning, Gulls finally on the 384 roof.
- 3 Herring Gulls FOR ALL OF A FEW SECONDS
Also on the roof... - 3 Carrion Crows - 1 Jackdaw - 1 Pied Wagtail
Anyone able to remove the deceased Gull safely then please do so. Many thanks... from a Gull watcher with withdrawal symptoms!
Rob Creek said
Mon Jan 11 3:21 PM, 2021
Sounds feasible too Mike, that they are aware something is wrong with that bird.
Well Ive had a phone call today off Pharma-care in Stoke who were supposed to collect the bird last week. The lady said ... because it involved putting a ladder against the side of the roof they wont collect it. I explained that this was in my report and was mentioned when Pharma-care phoned me last week for more details about the location, the fact that it didnt involve anyone physically getting on a roof.
I also explained they now have a decomposing Gull, theoretically with the possibility of avian fluh, a few yards from a food bank, but they dont want to know. Great how you are told and expected to do your duty as regards notification (as per .GOV website) but then nobody seems interested to do what is required!
Ive been at Redgate for 45mins on break this afternoon and there are c30 large Gulls around, with c50 Black-headed Gulls flying around over the yard, but again not a single bird on the 384 roof where the Gull is, or Stoodleys or BCA roof either!
Mike Chorley said
Sat Jan 9 3:36 PM, 2021
Rob Creek wrote:
Rob Smallwood wrote:
Has someone brought in a deterrent maybe?
I havent got a clue Rob, its a possibility I suppose. Something has changed suddenly since last Friday (New Years Day) unless it really is that dead Herring Gull putting them off. Nothing has had a go at the carcass either, normally Corvids (which theres plenty of at Redgate) will pick off a carcass, roadkill etc but theyve all left this one well alone.
The Gull shouldve been collected this week on behalf of DEFRA and sent off for testing, but it was still there this morning and guess what? No other birds whatsoever on the 384 roof, Stoodleys or BCA. c50 Gulls in the air, vast majority were Black-headed Gulls.
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Saturday 9th of January 2021 01:54:30 PM
Seems very unlikely but pehaps not a dead Gull but a 'dead gull' deterent, the newest version of the plastic owl. Would explain why the Covids haven't touched it. Either that or they're all picking up something from it to make them all keep their distance.
Rob Creek said
Sat Jan 9 1:52 PM, 2021
Rob Smallwood wrote:
Has someone brought in a deterrent maybe?
I havent got a clue Rob, its a possibility I suppose. Something has changed suddenly since last Friday (New Years Day) unless it really is that dead Herring Gull putting them off. Nothing has had a go at the carcass either, normally Corvids (which theres plenty of at Redgate) will pick off a carcass, roadkill etc but theyve all left this one well alone.
The Gull shouldve been collected this week on behalf of DEFRA and sent off for testing, but it was still there this morning and guess what? No other birds whatsoever on the 384 roof, Stoodleys or BCA. c50 Gulls in the air, vast majority were Black-headed Gulls.
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Saturday 9th of January 2021 01:54:30 PM
Rob Smallwood said
Sat Jan 9 12:15 PM, 2021
Has someone brought in a deterrent maybe?
Rob Creek said
Thu Jan 7 7:31 PM, 2021
Thurs 7th Jan
2 quick visits Weds, and again today (am/pm) whilst on furlough, dropping Lucas at nursery and picking him up.
Dead Herring Gull still there and not a single other bird on 384 roof yesterday. Nothing on Stoodleys and only a small number of Gulls on the away facing slope of BCA roof, c20 large Gulls approx half of which were Great Black-backed.
Dead Herring Gull still there today, c50 Black-headed Gulls with maybe c15-20 large Gulls in the air over the yard but not a single bird on 384 roof, Stoodleys or BCA this morning. Driving away on Hyde Rd I estimated c25-30 large Gulls on the actual Redgate roof, not viewable when parked on Redgate Lane. Only bird this afternoon was a Jackdaw on the 384 roof.
Sad and frustrating times at Redgate since Dec 30th, the last day of a good site count. Is it the dead Gull putting them off or just coincidence?
Rob Creek said
Tue Jan 5 11:36 PM, 2021
Bit of info regarding the dead Herring Gull.
No luck with Manchester City Council - wont touch it. No luck with RSPB - not interested Finally got through to DEFRA via different number option and being put through, they are now aware the number on .GOV is out of action. Received a phone call from a company in Stoke who will collect the Gull within 48hrs and send it off for a pathology test.
2 visits today am/pm whilst on furlough, doing nursery duties. am. Not a single bird on the 384, Stoodleys or BCA auctions roofs and a definite reduction in Gull numbers. Possibly around 200 Gulls in total, all in the air. pm. 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull landed on 384 but took off again sharpish, no other Gulls present.
Thats 5 days with hardly any Gulls to get a decent look at, apart from silhouettes whizzing round.
Rob Creek said
Tue Jan 5 12:00 AM, 2021
My mistake, DAERA only deals with stuff in Ireland but seems to crop up on a lot of searches. I phoned DEFRA to see if they received the email notification but the number supplied on .GOV takes you to a recorded message informing me that we are no longer part of the EU and that was that.
2 visits here today, morning and early afternoon. Not many Gulls around this morning but tons of Gulls in the air this afternoon. Not a single Gull landed on the 384 roof during either visit, Im convinced its to do with the dead Gull.
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Tuesday 5th of January 2021 12:01:14 AM
Rob Creek said
Sat Jan 2 10:05 PM, 2021
New Years Day. Nipped out for petrol and a few bits for New Year dinner so stopped off for a quick look.
A single Gull present in the form of a dead Herring Gull on 384 roof. 14 Magpies gathering on the roof near to the body.
Ive reported it to DEFRA, will do so to DAERA too when I get chance.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Sunday 3rd of January 2021 02:31:11 PM
Rob Creek said
Fri Jan 1 10:07 AM, 2021
Weds Dec 30th.
Mid-afternoon visit on way back to depot.
Probably in the region of 500 large Gulls. - Great Black-backed Gulls, I stopped counting at almost 85 adults with more plenty more to go, when many of them took to the air. - Argentatus Herring Gull, a rough count I made it over 35 that were in view - Lesser Black-backed Gulls 3 ad on 384 roof - c100+ Starling - 3 Pied Wagtails - 1 Grey Wagtail - 8 Redwings over
Rob Creek said
Mon Dec 28 6:16 PM, 2020
Monday 28th Dec
Quick visit this morning. Numbers included birds on the 384 roof, Stoodleys, BCA Auctions, and the main Recycling yard.
- Great Black-backed Gulls min 134 adults with numerous younger individuals present. Easily the most Ive ever seen here.
- Argentatus Herring Gulls 14 around the 384 and yard roofs, probably around another 20 or so on the Auctions roof but difficult to get an accurate number. The most Ive seen of these here too
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Monday 28th of December 2020 06:18:07 PM
Rob Creek said
Mon Dec 21 9:51 AM, 2020
Another furlough day, dropped Lucas off at nursery and Ive just done little over an hour.
Of note... - Great Black-backed Gulls min 76 adults Included resting birds on 384/auctions/yard roofs and some flying, but then a mass of birds erupted from the yard so its anyones guess as to how many. Plenty of younger birds around too! - Argentatus Herring Gulls min 19 Probably more as theres quite a few paler mantled birds approaching Argenteus shade but whose primary patterns with lots of white are that of Argentatus so likely to be in the 20s - Pied Wagtail 4 - Grey Wagtail 1 - Dunnock 1 - No sign of anything ringed this morning
Dan Gornall said
Sat Dec 19 9:14 AM, 2020
A quick visit early afternoon yesterday.
Norwegian ringed Great Black-backed Gull JE643 was on the roof of 356, also seen a couple of week ago by Rob.
Also York ringed Herring Gull yellow Y:992 on there too.
42 GBBG
c60 Herring Gull with a good proportion of Argentatus
Furlough day today so managed an hour this morning.
The Gulls were very active and in good numbers so I only got limited opportunities to try to count them, and bear in mind some birds were not counted as they were in the yard or flown out of sight.
Of note... - 104 adult Great Black-backed Gulls I counted them again when most of the Gulls had settled, I got 88 then 93, so fairly constant, and high for this site at least! - 14 Argentatus Herring Gulls - 17 Redwings over in 1 flock W towards city ctr - 5 Ring-necked Parakeets over Kirkmanshulme Lane
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Thursday 17th of December 2020 10:43:08 PM
Many thanks to Steve Christmas for an update on Black-headed Gull 2V07. It was ringed on 23/11/2020 at Salford Quays and sighted there again on 2/12/2020.
Rob Creek said
Thu Dec 10 1:34 PM, 2020
Thurs 10th Dec. An interesting couple of hours this morning.
- Great Black-backed Gulls min 99 adults (52 of those on 384 roof at one point) - Argentatus Herring Gulls min 19 probably more - Argenteus Herring Gulls 23 adults - 1st + 2nd W Herring Gulls c50+ - Lesser Black-backed Gulls 2 ad - Common Gull 1 ad - 7 Redwings over W towards Ardwick - 1 Sparrowhawk - 3 Goldfinch - 1 Robin
Also... - Norwegian ringed Black-headed Gull JR47 Ringed in Oslo this year, still in Oslo in July, then mine is the next sighting.
- WWT ringed Black-headed Gull 2V07 Ringer Kane Brides, on leave until Monday.
- York ringed Herring Gull Y:992 One of Mike Jacksons, should get reply soon.
Obviously a York bird, but I was a little bit puzzled the fact it only had 2 numbers after the Y. Mike Jackson, York Ringing coordinator was also puzzled as the ring doesnt look broken or damaged in any way. The only thing I can come up with is that the position of the birds leg at the time the image was taken is such that it was deeper in the corrugated roof ridge than appears therefore giving an optical illusion of the ring coming to an end after the 8. If you really look at it, it could be slightly angled at the bottom edge, indicating it could be the slight diagonal upright part of a number stalk. In my opinion, if that is the case, then I can probably rule out 0,1,2,3,5,7,8,9 as the top curve or flat edge of those numbers would be visible, and 1 would be too straight. Could be a 4 but my money is on 6... if Im correct about the image. Whatever it is, all that series Y:680-9 were ringed at Harewood Whin Landfill in York.
According to the Norwegian website, JE643 is a popular bird with well over 30 sighting entries, mainly in Norway but also found time to visit Denmark and the UK.
Of interest...
- 09.07.10 Ringed Store Vigeskjær, Lindesnes, Vest-Agder, Norway - 08.02.11 Island Barn Reservoir, West Molsey, Surrey (Dave Harris) - 15.08.12 Hirtshals Havn, Pier 2, Nordjylland, Denmark - 06.10 13 Scarborough harbour, North Yorkshire - 11.08.14 Hirtshals Havn, Tværmolen, Nordjylland, Denmark (Hans Henrik Larsen) - Then its all Norway sightings until... - 28.12.18 Scalby Mills, Scarborough, N.Yorks - Then its all Norway until now, mine is the first resighting since June 2020
Rob Creek said
Mon Nov 30 10:00 AM, 2020
Mon 30th Nov
Absolute shed load of large Gulls this morning.
- Great Black-backed Gulls c60 (c50 ad) - Norwegian ringed JE643 - Argentatus Herring Gull 19 (prob most Ive had here)
Not as many Gulls as last few days, and most of those were on the BCA roof anyway, so didnt stop long, interesting visit nonetheless!
Of note... - 14 Fieldfare, 8 then 6 - 1 Raven over with 4 Carrion Crows - 200+ Jackdaw in 2 close flocks, 96 then well over 100 - 2 Grey Wagtail - 1 Sparrowhawk again circling over Hyde Rd - 1 Stock Dove through at fair speed
Rob Creek said
Wed Nov 25 11:17 PM, 2020
Quick stop whilst passing, mid morning.
Of note... - c15 ad Great Black-backed Gulls - 7 Argentatus Herring Gulls - 2 Grey Wagtail - 1 Ring-necked Parakeet - 1 Sparrowhawk circling
Rob Creek said
Tue Nov 24 10:50 PM, 2020
Tuesday 24th Nov - Morning visit
Of note...200+ large Gulls - c30+ ad Great Black-backed Gulls - c20 Argentatus Herring Gulls (Possibly the most Ive ever had here) - 3 ad Lesser Black-backed Gulls - 3 Grey Wagtail (incl 2 chasing around) - 4 Pied Wagtail
Rob Creek said
Mon Nov 23 12:38 PM, 2020
Reply from Polish Ringing Group regarding Black-headed Gull TN5V from 15th Nov.
This is the next sighting since 15th Dec 2019 at Redgate, but that means their records were never updated (with ref to Dan Gornalls post 16th Dec 2019) as I submitted sightings for December and for 4th Feb this year.
One other anomaly regarding this Gull, with reference to the image on Dans post again, the ringing group have Simon Ghilks sighting at Audenshaw Res in July 2018 down on their website as a Slender-billed Gull.
Rob Creek said
Mon Nov 23 12:11 PM, 2020
Monday 23rd Nov
Late morning visit, nice to briefly meet Connor Rand.
Of note... - 19 ad Great Black-backed Gulls - 7 ad Lesser Black-backed Gulls - 12 minimum Argentatus Gulls - 1 Raven over near British Car Auctions - Herring Gull with 1 dark and 1 usual yellow eye - Herring Gull with tail missing / rear end injury (Im sure this is the one that visits occasionally)
Rob Creek said
Sun Nov 22 5:21 PM, 2020
Late morning visit but not much of note.
- 2 skeins of Pink-footed Geese viewed from Redgate Lane flying E just north of Hyde Rd. 1st skein just shy of 100 birds and the 2nd probably around 150 birds. Looking at their line of flight they probably flew virtually over the city centre - 8 adult Great Black-backed Gulls - 5 Argentatus Herring Gulls - 4 Redwings over - 1 Grey Wagtail - 2 Pied Wagtails
Quick visit late afternoon. - 16 Redwings over
Rob Creek said
Mon Nov 16 11:28 PM, 2020
Sunday 15th Nov - mid afternoon visit
- 7 Argentatus Herring Gulls - 11 Great Black-backed Gulls (6 ad) - 7 Redwing over - 1 Grey Wagtail
Monday 16th Nov - mid afternoon visit
- 12 Argentatus Herring Gulls - 25+ Great Black-backed Gulls - Black-headed Gull TN5V back for winter again? (Interested to see where its been since February) - 9 Redwing over (5 then 4)
- c100 Black-headed Gulls
- 6 ad Lesser Black-backed Gulls
- 5 Argentatus Herring Gulls
- 4 Pied Wagtail
- 1 Grey Wagtail
Thursday 25th Feb (p.m.)
- c150 Black-headed Gulls
- 2 ad Lesser Black-backed Gulls
- Herring Gull T:301 (1st seen 2wks ago)
- 1 Sparrowhawk circling high over
A significant reduction in large Gull numbers c40 max
- c75-100 Black-headed Gulls
- 12 ad Lesser Black-backed Gulls
- 3 ad Great Black-backed Gulls
- 7 Argentatus Herring Gulls
- 3 Pied Wagtail
- 1 Robin
- Ringed as adult, Pitsea Landfill Site, Essex 05/03/11
- Seen in Rybical, Ryn, Poland, 13/05/20
- Now back in UK at Redgate Recycling
- Black-headed Gull TN5V present this morning
Also noticed 8 (possibly a few more) adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls around the site. Had a few singles in the last few days.
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Thursday 18th of February 2021 12:40:25 PM
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Thursday 18th of February 2021 12:41:39 PM
- Black-headed Gull TRWT Polish ringed
- possible 1st w Yellow-legged Gull
- adult Iceland Gull still present, in flight then resting on Redgate roof, viewed from Hyde Rd.
- Herring Gull Y:992 present again
- min 9 Argentatus Herring Gulls
Also had a reply from Mike Jackson regarding recent sightings of his ringed Gulls, not much to add to previous ringing histories.
Y:685 - not seen since I had it here in Sept, Oct, and Nov 2019
Y:992 - had it here twice in Dec, looks to be overwintering in GM
- adult Iceland Gull present this morning, very mobile.
- a yellow legged Argentatus Herring Gull present on both visits, a first for me, only ever seen one Argenteus with yellow legs and that was here too a few years back.
- Herring Gull Y:992 present too
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Friday 12th of February 2021 09:27:23 PM
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Friday 12th of February 2021 09:28:22 PM
a.m. of note...
- 5 Pied Wagtail
- 2 Grey Wagtail
- 1 Sparrowhawk through
- 2 Great Tit
- 6 Common Gull
- 1 tiny adult Lesser Black-backed Gull
(Didnt look much bigger than a Common Gull)
p.m. of note
- Herring Gull T:301
Looks to be a Scottish ringed Gull, from Aberdeen.
Had to go in to the office yesterday so stopped at Redgate on the way home, mid afternoon.
A 3rd winter Caspian Gull was on the roof closest to the yard not long after I arrived but unfortunately it flew off after a short while and I didn't see it again in the time I was present. The light wasn't great either so only managed a couple of 'record shots'.
No sign of any Iceland Gulls.
- Juvenile Iceland Gull
Very active but showing well at times in the yard, on 384 roof, and in flight. First seen at 3.41pm and observed until just gone 4pm
Absolute shed load of Gulls this morning, with between c150-200 large Gulls but no sign of yesterday Iceland Gulls.
- c300 Black-headed Gulls
- plenty of Argentatus Gulls
- 5 Pied Wagtail
- 1 Grey Wagtail
Also Herring Gull Y:685 that Ive not seen since Nov 2019 so basically last winter. But the Herring Gull I saw in December here with the partially obscured ring could well be this one, looking at the eyes and the bill pattern. Not sure!
Afternoon visit on way to pick Lucas up from nursery.
Probably around 150 large Gulls very active around the site.
- Juvenile and adult Iceland Gull
Juvenile seen in flight briefly but it disappeared in the melee of Gulls. I picked it up again but it disappeared again.
Adult seen in flight briefly but as I followed it in my bins it flew behind the corner building near Hyde Rd and I didnt see it again.
A quick look at the rubbish mound revealed some familiar plumage, just a bit of mantle showing. Then just to annoy me, everything took to the air due to moving yard machinery. The juv Iceland Gull was the first one to return and showed for all but around 10 seconds before flying off.
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Monday 8th of February 2021 11:35:56 PM
- 11 Argentatus Herring Gulls (am)
- 16 Argentatus Herring Gulls (pm)
Saturday 6th Feb (pm)
- Superb 1st winter Caspian Gull (showing well)
- 12 Argentatus Herring Gulls
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Saturday 6th of February 2021 11:12:02 PM
Thursday 4th Feb.
Couple of hours this morning after dropping Lucas at nursery, and things looking a bit more like it here... more Gulls seemingly landing on the 384 roof since the dead Gull vanished.
Of note...
- 6 Pied Wagtails
- 11 Argentatus Gulls
Also what I thought could possibly have been Caspian Gull, albeit an unusual individual in my opinion.
Initially I thought it showed a few pro Caspian features that drew me in for checking more closely...
- dark eye, head shape, long legs, full chest, unusual gait / jizz, pale tongues extending into the black primaries evident in flight.
But then other features I thought were a bit confusing...
- Yellow legs, bill although not heavy- has a clearly visible gonys angle, and pale tongues- possibly similar to Herring Gull.
It appears some features are just not right but an interesting bird nonetheless.
- appears to have no black on P5, large white mirror on P9, bill colour is bright, no pale moons, leg colour is unusual, and the tongues are suspect (as I suspected).
For now its true identity is unknown, a possible hybrid, I will await any further comments in due course.
- 6 Pied Wagtails
- 1 Grey Wagtail
- notably some Common Gulls chasing Black-headeds but not many Gulls present
Quick visit Sunday afternoon after nipping to ASDA.
The dead Herring Gull has gone, dont know who, how, the whys or wherefores???
Monday 1st Feb.
Quick call in this morning...
- c30 large Gulls earlier on 384 roof, some coming and going, Herring with Great Black-backed, more in the air around the yard.
- Goldcrest calling near Stoodleys sign opp Redgate yard
- Sparrowhawk over / straight through E
- 2 Pied Wagtail
- 1 Robin
Ringed 04/11/16 - Rufforth Waste Disposal, York, code 8 hatched 3+ years ago.
Sighted 29/07/17 - Staithes Harbour, North Yorkshire.
Furlough day. Dropped Lucas off at nursery and popped round the corner to Redgate for a quick look in, not had much chance recently with the roads being blocked due to the Hyde Rd burst mains.
A light dusting of snow during the night covering the roofs and the dead Gull probably helped the birds confidence to rest on the 384 roof as quite a few were on it.
Of note...
- Herring Gull Y:843
- 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull (probable intermedius)
- 5 Great Black-backed Gulls
- 4 Argentatus Herring Gulls
- c10 Common Gulls chasing Black-headeds
- 4 Pied Wagtail
- 1 Grey Wagtail
Ive been on furlough since Friday (changing day to day) so Ive been on nursery duties and managed to call in last 2 mornings.
Still not many Gulls and hardly any on the main viewable roofs.
- 2 Grey Wagtail
- 2 Pied Wagtail
- 1 Raven high over
- 12 (9,2,1) Redwings through S yesterday
Stopped off for an afternoon break on way back into depot.
- c150 Black-headed Gulls (38 on 384 roof Hyde Rd end)
- c200 Starling (flying around near main yard)
- c40 Goldfinch (flying round Pottery La / BCA car park)
On way to pick Lucas up from nursery and as I passed Redgate there were 51 Black-headed Gulls on the 384 building all at the outermost part of the roof at Hyde Rd end, well away from the dead Gull.
- 3 Herring Gulls FOR ALL OF A FEW SECONDS
Also on the roof...
- 3 Carrion Crows
- 1 Jackdaw
- 1 Pied Wagtail
Anyone able to remove the deceased Gull safely then please do so.
Many thanks... from a Gull watcher with withdrawal symptoms!
Well Ive had a phone call today off Pharma-care in Stoke who were supposed to collect the bird last week.
The lady said ... because it involved putting a ladder against the side of the roof they wont collect it.
I explained that this was in my report and was mentioned when Pharma-care phoned me last week for more details about the location, the fact that it didnt involve anyone physically getting on a roof.
I also explained they now have a decomposing Gull, theoretically with the possibility of avian fluh, a few yards from a food bank, but they dont want to know.
Great how you are told and expected to do your duty as regards notification (as per .GOV website) but then nobody seems interested to do what is required!
Ive been at Redgate for 45mins on break this afternoon and there are c30 large Gulls around, with c50 Black-headed Gulls flying around over the yard, but again not a single bird on the 384 roof where the Gull is, or Stoodleys or BCA roof either!
Seems very unlikely but pehaps not a dead Gull but a 'dead gull' deterent, the newest version of the plastic owl. Would explain why the Covids haven't touched it. Either that or they're all picking up something from it to make them all keep their distance.
I havent got a clue Rob, its a possibility I suppose. Something has changed suddenly since last Friday (New Years Day) unless it really is that dead Herring Gull putting them off.
Nothing has had a go at the carcass either, normally Corvids (which theres plenty of at Redgate) will pick off a carcass, roadkill etc but theyve all left this one well alone.
The Gull shouldve been collected this week on behalf of DEFRA and sent off for testing, but it was still there this morning and guess what? No other birds whatsoever on the 384 roof, Stoodleys or BCA.
c50 Gulls in the air, vast majority were Black-headed Gulls.
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Saturday 9th of January 2021 01:54:30 PM
Has someone brought in a deterrent maybe?
2 quick visits Weds, and again today (am/pm) whilst on furlough, dropping Lucas at nursery and picking him up.
Dead Herring Gull still there and not a single other bird on 384 roof yesterday.
Nothing on Stoodleys and only a small number of Gulls on the away facing slope of BCA roof, c20 large Gulls approx half of which were Great Black-backed.
Dead Herring Gull still there today, c50 Black-headed Gulls with maybe c15-20 large Gulls in the air over the yard but not a single bird on 384 roof, Stoodleys or BCA this morning.
Driving away on Hyde Rd I estimated c25-30 large Gulls on the actual Redgate roof, not viewable when parked on Redgate Lane.
Only bird this afternoon was a Jackdaw on the 384 roof.
Sad and frustrating times at Redgate since Dec 30th, the last day of a good site count. Is it the dead Gull putting them off or just coincidence?
No luck with Manchester City Council - wont touch it.
No luck with RSPB - not interested
Finally got through to DEFRA via different number option and being put through, they are now aware the number on .GOV is out of action.
Received a phone call from a company in Stoke who will collect the Gull within 48hrs and send it off for a pathology test.
2 visits today am/pm whilst on furlough, doing nursery duties.
am. Not a single bird on the 384, Stoodleys or BCA auctions roofs and a definite reduction in Gull numbers. Possibly around 200 Gulls in total, all in the air.
pm. 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull landed on 384 but took off again sharpish, no other Gulls present.
Thats 5 days with hardly any Gulls to get a decent look at, apart from silhouettes whizzing round.
2 visits here today, morning and early afternoon.
Not many Gulls around this morning but tons of Gulls in the air this afternoon. Not a single Gull landed on the 384 roof during either visit, Im convinced its to do with the dead Gull.
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Tuesday 5th of January 2021 12:01:14 AM
New Years Day.
Nipped out for petrol and a few bits for New Year dinner so stopped off for a quick look.
A single Gull present in the form of a dead Herring Gull on 384 roof.
14 Magpies gathering on the roof near to the body.
Ive reported it to DEFRA, will do so to DAERA too when I get chance.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Sunday 3rd of January 2021 02:31:11 PM
Mid-afternoon visit on way back to depot.
Probably in the region of 500 large Gulls.
- Great Black-backed Gulls, I stopped counting at almost 85 adults with more plenty more to go, when many of them took to the air.
- Argentatus Herring Gull, a rough count I made it over 35 that were in view
- Lesser Black-backed Gulls 3 ad on 384 roof
- c100+ Starling
- 3 Pied Wagtails
- 1 Grey Wagtail
- 8 Redwings over
Quick visit this morning. Numbers included birds on the 384 roof, Stoodleys, BCA Auctions, and the main Recycling yard.
- Great Black-backed Gulls min 134 adults with numerous younger individuals present.
Easily the most Ive ever seen here.
- Argentatus Herring Gulls 14 around the 384 and yard roofs, probably around another 20 or so on the Auctions roof but difficult to get an accurate number. The most Ive seen of these here too
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Monday 28th of December 2020 06:18:07 PM
Of note...
- Great Black-backed Gulls min 76 adults
Included resting birds on 384/auctions/yard roofs and some flying, but then a mass of birds erupted from the yard so its anyones guess as to how many. Plenty of younger birds around too!
- Argentatus Herring Gulls min 19
Probably more as theres quite a few paler mantled birds approaching Argenteus shade but whose primary patterns with lots of white are that of Argentatus so likely to be in the 20s
- Pied Wagtail 4
- Grey Wagtail 1
- Dunnock 1
- No sign of anything ringed this morning
A quick visit early afternoon yesterday.
Norwegian ringed Great Black-backed Gull JE643 was on the roof of 356, also seen a couple of week ago by Rob.
Also York ringed Herring Gull yellow Y:992 on there too.
42 GBBG
c60 Herring Gull with a good proportion of Argentatus
78 Black-headed Gull
The Gulls were very active and in good numbers so I only got limited opportunities to try to count them, and bear in mind some birds were not counted as they were in the yard or flown out of sight.
Of note...
- 104 adult Great Black-backed Gulls
I counted them again when most of the Gulls had settled, I got 88 then 93, so fairly constant, and high for this site at least!
- 14 Argentatus Herring Gulls
- 17 Redwings over in 1 flock W towards city ctr
- 5 Ring-necked Parakeets over Kirkmanshulme Lane
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Thursday 17th of December 2020 10:43:08 PM
Seems it took a bit of a liking for Skegness!
04/11/16 Ringed 3 (1st W) Rufforth Waste Disposal site, York
31/12/17 Whinney Hill Tip, Altham, Lancashire
17/03/18 Marine Lake,Southport, Merseyside
22/12/18 Cotesbach Landfill Site,Leicestershire
30/12/18 Middlemarsh Farm Skegness, Lincolnshire
31/12/18 Middlemarsh Farm Skegness, Lincolnshire
17/02/19 Middlemarsh Farm Skegness, Lincolnshire
03/03/19 Bain Landfill Site, Lincolnshire
04/03/19 Bain Landfill Site, Lincolnshire
05/03/19 Middlemarsh Farm Skegness, Lincolnshire
24/04/19 Middlemarsh Farm Skegness, Lincolnshire
28/05/19 Middlemarsh Farm Skegness, Lincolnshire
05/06/19 Middlemarsh Farm Skegness, Lincolnshire
14/07/19 Middlemarsh Farm Skegness, Lincolnshire
25/03/20 Middlemarsh Farm Skegness, Lincolnshire
30/05/20 Middlemarsh Farm Skegness, Lincolnshire
It was ringed on 23/11/2020 at Salford Quays and sighted there again on 2/12/2020.
An interesting couple of hours this morning.
- Great Black-backed Gulls min 99 adults
(52 of those on 384 roof at one point)
- Argentatus Herring Gulls min 19 probably more
- Argenteus Herring Gulls 23 adults
- 1st + 2nd W Herring Gulls c50+
- Lesser Black-backed Gulls 2 ad
- Common Gull 1 ad
- 7 Redwings over W towards Ardwick
- 1 Sparrowhawk
- 3 Goldfinch
- 1 Robin
Also...
- Norwegian ringed Black-headed Gull JR47
Ringed in Oslo this year, still in Oslo in July, then mine is the next sighting.
- WWT ringed Black-headed Gull 2V07
Ringer Kane Brides, on leave until Monday.
- York ringed Herring Gull Y:992
One of Mike Jacksons, should get reply soon.
- Herring Gull Y:68
Obviously a York bird, but I was a little bit puzzled the fact it only had 2 numbers after the Y.
Mike Jackson, York Ringing coordinator was also puzzled as the ring doesnt look broken or damaged in any way. The only thing I can come up with is that the position of the birds leg at the time the image was taken is such that it was deeper in the corrugated roof ridge than appears therefore giving an optical illusion of the ring coming to an end after the 8. If you really look at it, it could be slightly angled at the bottom edge, indicating it could be the slight diagonal upright part of a number stalk.
In my opinion, if that is the case, then I can probably rule out 0,1,2,3,5,7,8,9 as the top curve or flat edge of those numbers would be visible, and 1 would be too straight. Could be a 4 but my money is on 6... if Im correct about the image.
Whatever it is, all that series Y:680-9 were ringed at Harewood Whin Landfill in York.
- 64 adult Great Black-backed Gulls
- 12 Argentatus Herring Gulls
- J4127 Norwegian ringed Argentatus Gull
01.07.2017 Ringed at Rauna, Farsund, Vest-Agder, Norway
07.04 2018 Cotesbach landfill site, Leicester & Rutland, UK
12.09 2020 Roosbeck, Cumbria, UK
(p.s. Take no notice of the camera date, the camera froze yesterday and mustve reverted back a few months?)
Of interest...
- 09.07.10 Ringed Store Vigeskjær, Lindesnes, Vest-Agder, Norway
- 08.02.11 Island Barn Reservoir, West Molsey, Surrey (Dave Harris)
- 15.08.12 Hirtshals Havn, Pier 2, Nordjylland, Denmark
- 06.10 13 Scarborough harbour, North Yorkshire
- 11.08.14 Hirtshals Havn, Tværmolen, Nordjylland, Denmark (Hans Henrik Larsen)
- Then its all Norway sightings until...
- 28.12.18 Scalby Mills, Scarborough, N.Yorks
- Then its all Norway until now, mine is the first resighting since June 2020
Absolute shed load of large Gulls this morning.
- Great Black-backed Gulls c60 (c50 ad)
- Norwegian ringed JE643
- Argentatus Herring Gull 19 (prob most Ive had here)
Not as many Gulls as last few days, and most of those were on the BCA roof anyway, so didnt stop long, interesting visit nonetheless!
Of note...
- 14 Fieldfare, 8 then 6
- 1 Raven over with 4 Carrion Crows
- 200+ Jackdaw in 2 close flocks, 96 then well over 100
- 2 Grey Wagtail
- 1 Sparrowhawk again circling over Hyde Rd
- 1 Stock Dove through at fair speed
Of note...
- c15 ad Great Black-backed Gulls
- 7 Argentatus Herring Gulls
- 2 Grey Wagtail
- 1 Ring-necked Parakeet
- 1 Sparrowhawk circling
Of note...200+ large Gulls
- c30+ ad Great Black-backed Gulls
- c20 Argentatus Herring Gulls
(Possibly the most Ive ever had here)
- 3 ad Lesser Black-backed Gulls
- 3 Grey Wagtail (incl 2 chasing around)
- 4 Pied Wagtail
This is the next sighting since 15th Dec 2019 at Redgate, but that means their records were never updated (with ref to Dan Gornalls post 16th Dec 2019) as I submitted sightings for December and for 4th Feb this year.
One other anomaly regarding this Gull, with reference to the image on Dans post again, the ringing group have Simon Ghilks sighting at Audenshaw Res in July 2018 down on their website as a Slender-billed Gull.
Late morning visit, nice to briefly meet Connor Rand.
Of note...
- 19 ad Great Black-backed Gulls
- 7 ad Lesser Black-backed Gulls
- 12 minimum Argentatus Gulls
- 1 Raven over near British Car Auctions
- Herring Gull with 1 dark and 1 usual yellow eye
- Herring Gull with tail missing / rear end injury
(Im sure this is the one that visits occasionally)
- 2 skeins of Pink-footed Geese viewed from Redgate Lane flying E just north of Hyde Rd. 1st skein just shy of 100 birds and the 2nd probably around 150 birds. Looking at their line of flight they probably flew virtually over the city centre
- 8 adult Great Black-backed Gulls
- 5 Argentatus Herring Gulls
- 4 Redwings over
- 1 Grey Wagtail
- 2 Pied Wagtails
Quick visit late afternoon.
- 16 Redwings over
- 7 Argentatus Herring Gulls
- 11 Great Black-backed Gulls (6 ad)
- 7 Redwing over
- 1 Grey Wagtail
Monday 16th Nov - mid afternoon visit
- 12 Argentatus Herring Gulls
- 25+ Great Black-backed Gulls
- Black-headed Gull TN5V back for winter again?
(Interested to see where its been since February)
- 9 Redwing over (5 then 4)