On site this afternoon and nice to see a decent number of Gulls with around 50-60 birds.
- Vast majority were adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls - at least 8 adult Herring Gulls - 1 Great Black-backed Gull ...looked like the same one as last time 2nd CY coming out of its 1st W
Rob Creek said
Wed Apr 4 6:12 PM, 2018
I've hardly seen anything here recently when I've been on site apart from the odd large Gull, and even those have been flyover silhouettes. Of note this afternoon though...
- 22 Lesser Black-backed Gulls (mainly adults) - 2 adult Herring Gulls - 1 1st W Great Black-backed Gull
Rob Creek said
Thu Mar 22 7:46 PM, 2018
Had another contact from ringing coordinator Pete Rock today, and he seems quite certain the ring number is 2G3B and that it is definitely an East Anglian ringed bird. It is obviously a Herring Gull and the error with regards data is on the ringing side. So this is the history report below but the species is incorrect.
2G3B Recapture History Ring Age/ Capture number Type Date Init Details Lesser Black-backed Gull GF57111 N 10 19/03/11 DHD Blackborough End, Norfolk S 8 Sighted 18/07/11 PJE King's Lynn, Norfolk (8 km, NW, 121 days) S 10 Sighted 29/07/11 CSM King's Lynn, Norfolk (8 km, NW, 132 days) S 10 Sighted (R) 21/12/14 JMA Pinto, Madrid, Spain (1419 km, SSW, 3 yrs 277days)
Rob Creek said
Mon Mar 19 11:01 PM, 2018
Ian McKerchar wrote:
Rob Creek wrote:
...and also an Argenteus Herring Gull with a yellow ring on its left leg and a small silver ring on the right. The number looked like "2G38" on the yellow ring. Any info as to whose ringing group likely matches this number sequence? Cheers
Could have been 2G3B and if so likely ringed near Kings Lynn, Cambridge or Doncaster. Try jezblackburn@sky.com to see if its one of theirs.
Just incase anyone thought I'd forgotten about 2G3B from 07/12/17, I haven't, I finally got a reply today from one of Jez Blackburn's ringers after one of the main ringing coordinators Pete Rock stepped in. But, the report I've been sent with this particular Gulls history is for a Lesser Black-backed Gull. The Gull is infact a Herring Gull, so they are now checking their data inputs with previous sightings. I'm intrigued to know what their findings are so I will update this as and when.
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Monday 19th of March 2018 11:03:07 PM
Again not been much activity or Gulls to scan at Smithfield recently bit this morning it was good to see something of interest whilst making a collection.
Not much doing at Smithfield Market at all last week, with a significant drop in large Gull numbers, but for anyone interested I got some info back yesterday off Mike Jackson of the York ringing group regarding Herring Gull Y:106
Not too sure what it all means but it looks like it was ringed in its 1st autumn 2015 (the same year it hatched - 3?). Cheers.
Recapture History Ring Age/ Capture number Type Date Init Details Herring Gull GV31786 N 3 26/10/15 CB Rufforth Waste Disposal site, York O 5 Sighted 22/01/16 Rufforth Airfield, York (4 km, S, 88 days) S 7 Sighted 07/02/17 Audenshaw Reservoir, Greater Manchester (83 km, SW, 1 yr 104days) S 7 Sighted 01/07/17 Whitburn,Tyne and Wear (110 km, N, 1 yr 248days)
Rob Creek said
Tue Feb 20 1:36 PM, 2018
Monday 19th Feb early afternoon.
Not many Gulls, only things of note... - 1 Common Gull - 3 Argentatus Herring Gulls - 1 yellow ringed Herring Gull Y:106 - 8 adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls including 1 in adult plumage but with pink legs, cheers for the pointer on the bill Ian.
Rob Creek said
Tue Feb 13 8:07 PM, 2018
Lunchtime quick visit. - less than 15 large Gulls incl... - 2 Great Black-backed Gulls - 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull - 2 Argenteus Herring Gull - rest were juv / imm's - No sign of any Argentatus!
Rob Creek said
Thu Feb 8 2:33 PM, 2018
Thurs 8th Feb.
Again not many large Gulls around this morning, c15-20. I'm assuming the Yellow-legged Gulls may well have gone now.
- Great Black-backed Gull 2 ad / 1 1st W - Lesser Black-backed 1 ad - Argentatus Herring Gull 4 - 1 Grey Heron fairly low over the yard
Rob Creek said
Tue Feb 6 2:10 PM, 2018
Tuesday 6th Feb (1.30pm)
Only 14 large Gulls present near the fish units including... - 2 ad Great Black-backed Gulls - 3 ad Lesser Black-backed Gulls - 3 Argentatus Herring Gulls - the remaining 6 being juvenile and young birds probably Herring Gull
Rob Creek said
Thu Feb 1 9:42 AM, 2018
Thurs 1st Feb
- No sign of any Yellow-legged Gulls
Among the adult large Gulls were... - 4 Argentatus Herring Gulls - 3 Argenteus Herring Gulls - 1 Great Black-backed Gull
Rob Creek said
Wed Jan 31 2:44 PM, 2018
Weds 30th Jan
- Again no sign of any Yellow-legged Gulls this morning. - 9 Argentatus Herring Gulls - 2 adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls
Rob Creek said
Tue Jan 30 9:30 AM, 2018
Monday 29th Jan
- 1 Yellow-legged Gull on Sykes roof at 1.22pm (forgot to post as a works phone call distracted me)
Tuesday 30th Jan 9.20am
- No sign of any Yellow-legged Gulls - 5 Great Black-backed Gulls - 3 Argentatus Herring Gulls
Rob Creek said
Fri Jan 26 10:21 AM, 2018
Friday 26th Jan
- 1 Yellow-legged Gull stood on the roof of the main Fish Market reception right near security at 9.26am
Rob Creek said
Thu Jan 25 1:46 PM, 2018
Thursday 25th Jan - 9am
- 3 Ring-necked Parakeets over and straight through - 6 adult Great Black-backed Gulls - 7 Argentatus Herring Gulls - 1 adult Lesser Black-backed Gull - 4 adult Argenteus Herring Gull
No sign of any Yellow-legged Gulls again
Rob Creek said
Wed Jan 24 1:43 PM, 2018
Weds 24th Jan
No sign of any Yellow-legged Gulls in the main fish unit area this morning. - 3 Great Black-backed Gulls
Rob Creek said
Tue Jan 23 8:44 AM, 2018
Monday 22nd Jan - 1pm
- 1 Yellow-legged Gull flying low over the green and Ashton Old Rd in between security and Subway. - 5 Argentatus Herring Gulls - 4 Great Black-backed Gulls - 12 Fieldfare
Rob Creek said
Thu Jan 18 9:15 AM, 2018
Thurs 18th Jan
- 1 Yellow-legged Gull on China Star roof 9am and then showed well on lamp post in middle of yard. I thought I could hear 1 calling but I could definitely only see 1
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Thursday 18th of January 2018 09:16:43 AM
Rob Creek said
Wed Jan 17 12:25 PM, 2018
Weds 17th Jan
- 1 Yellow-legged Gull on Sykes roof 12.14pm
Rob Creek said
Tue Jan 16 3:43 PM, 2018
Tuesday 16th Jan
- 1 Yellow-legged Gull (1 of the main 2) landed on Sykes roof at 3.16pm.
I'd made my collection and it was still there braving the sharp icey wind and hail as I left at 3.20pm. Not many Gulls this afternoon. - 2 adult Great Black-backed Gulls of note
Also a Sparrowhawk circling over the end of Bessemer Street where it meets Gorton Lane.
It was being harassed by a Carrion Crow and a Jackdaw.
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Tuesday 16th of January 2018 08:04:01 PM
Rob Smallwood said
Sat Jan 13 4:09 PM, 2018
One adult Yellow-legged present this afternoon and showing well in poor light.
Rob Creek said
Fri Jan 12 7:47 PM, 2018
Didn't manage a visit here today but will be back on site probably Monday. Redgate came up trumps this morning anyway to make up for it. Hopefully the Yellow-legged Gulls will still be in place.
I've attached an image from Wednesday, a comparison shot of one of the Yellow-legged Gulls with a Lesser Black-backed Gull on J&B Wilde's. I'll put some more images on my Twitter so as not to clog the thread up with too many shots.
- both the Smithfield 2 Yellow-legged Gulls present this morning.
1 showing well on Fishnet and J&B Wilde's roof. The other was sat on Sykes roof when it was displaced (unusually) by a landing Great Black-backed Gull. It didn't fly off though like other Gulls would, it simply stood up and walked slowly over the apex onto the adjacent slope.
- 1 of the Yellow-legged Gulls currently present. - 4 adult Great Black-backed Gulls - 5 Argentatus Herring Gull - 1 Raven high over
Rob Creek said
Mon Jan 8 9:59 AM, 2018
Rob Creek wrote:
Monday 8th Jan W Just 1 Yellow-legged Gull currently present, on Fishnet roof.
Make that 2 Yellow-legged Gulls (the Smithfield 2) currently present on Fishnet roof.
Rob Creek said
Mon Jan 8 9:55 AM, 2018
Monday 8th Jan W Just 1 Yellow-legged Gull currently present, on Fishnet roof.
Rob Creek said
Fri Jan 5 9:44 AM, 2018
Friday 5th Jan
- Just 1 of the Yellow-legged Gulls currently present resting above J&B Wilde. - 4 adult Great Black-backed Gulls - 7 Argentatus Herring Gulls
Rob Creek said
Fri Jan 5 8:18 AM, 2018
Thurs 4th Jan - 2pm
- 2 Yellow-legged Gulls still (Smithfield 2) (1 on Sykes roof, the other mobile around the yard) - 4 Great Black-backed Gulls - 1 Argentatus Herring Gull
Rob Creek said
Wed Jan 3 9:35 AM, 2018
Weds 3rd Jan 9.15am
- 2 Yellow-legged Gulls still present (Smithfield 2) - 2 Great Black-backed Gulls
Couple of images of one of the Smithfield 2 braving the howling winds this morning, struggling to keep its balance above J&B Wildes.
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Wednesday 3rd of January 2018 11:25:48 PM
Rob Creek said
Tue Jan 2 9:53 AM, 2018
Tuesday 2nd Jan 2018
- A cracking start to 2018 as the Smithfield 2 Yellow-legged Gulls are back this morning. 1 showing well on a lamppost in the middle of the yard calling and the other briefly on JB Wildes roof then flew off over Bessemer St. - 5 adult Great Black-backed Gulls - 4 Argentatus Herring Gull
Happy new year to everybody on the forum
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Tuesday 2nd of January 2018 11:36:41 PM
Saturday lunchtime. Not a single Gull of any type present in the vicinity, as viewed from Bessemer Street. Seems like they were all at Redgate.
Rob Creek said
Fri Dec 29 7:32 PM, 2017
keith mills wrote:
Yes Rob, but I left it too late I think. Many large Gulls were leaving as I arrived and I could see them circling to the SE....Possibly over the Redgate plant. Thanks anyway for all the info.
No problem cheers Keith. Looks like all 3 Yellow-legged Gulls have gone AWOL again since Wednesday lunchtime. I will strive to make sure I post any noteworthy sightings (whenever I can) from either site, so that anyone reading these particular threads have plenty of info and left in no doubt as to what's there and when. Cheers
Keith Mills said
Fri Dec 29 6:02 PM, 2017
Yes Rob, but I left it too late I think. Many large Gulls were leaving as I arrived and I could see them circling to the SE....Possibly over the Redgate plant. Thanks anyway for all the info.
Rob Creek said
Fri Dec 29 3:30 PM, 2017
That's a bit unlucky Keith as all 3 Yellow-legged Gulls were present that morning.
Friday 29th Dec - no sign of any Yellow-legged Gulls this morning. - 4 adult Great Black-backed Gulls - 5 Argentatus Herring Gulls
Keith Mills said
Thu Dec 28 6:48 PM, 2017
Called here on the 29/11/17 mid afternoon. Eventually found the main entrance, which was near the junction of Bessemer St. and Whitworth St. east.( initially going to an old entrance near Openshaw police station and viewing through railings). At the main entrance I enquired about site access, speaking with a uniformed man in the ''gatehouse''. he said there was no problem with me accessing the site but was advised against photographing buildings as ''the council did not allow this'' (They had no problem with binoculars). I accessed the site on foot after parking up. I found no Yellow-legged Gulls present at the time and soon dusk arrived. The same gateman, who knew the Gulls, advise me to come back early morning.
-- Edited by keith mills on Thursday 28th of December 2017 08:05:03 PM
Rob Smallwood said
Thu Dec 28 3:14 PM, 2017
Cheers Rob - perfect
Rob Creek said
Thu Dec 28 2:32 PM, 2017
Rob Smallwood wrote:
Hi Rob,
I called in on the way to work this morning, must have just missed you all. No Yellow-legged Gull for me either, there were a lot of large gulls at Redgate though but not settling.
Can you access the compound or is viewing only from outside the gates?
Hi Rob, Just to clarify viewing points for you (or indeed anyone going to here or Redgate)
Smithfield. I only ever view from my wagon either parked up in a proper parking space near the unit I'm visiting as the Gulls are mainly in that immediate area, or Bessemer Street (if I've no need to be on site) which runs down the side of the market from Gorton Lane, and in the latter case I view through the railings and most of the Gulls are viewable.
Redgate. I've never been on site to the actual rubbish tip, never, it's a smallish site and an industrial waste yard rather than a public drive in. Ive no need to go in the yard anyway as the Gulls are nearly always on the 384 building opposite the yard so just park up and view, they are really close. Only once have I viewed in the main yard before they replaced one of the missing concrete blockers and the stunning Yellow-legged Gull I had that day was my avatar for ages. Hope this helps
Rob Smallwood said
Thu Dec 28 11:45 AM, 2017
Hi Rob,
I called in on the way to work this morning, must have just missed you all. No Yellow-legged Gull for me either, there were a lot of large gulls at Redgate though but not settling.
Can you access the compound or is viewing only from outside the gates?
Rob Creek said
Thu Dec 28 10:11 AM, 2017
Thursday 28th Dec.
No sign of any Yellow-legged Gulls this morning. Nice to meet the 2 North-east birders who follow our forum now and then, and had travelled over specifically for the Gulls. I hope they show for you lads.
Much the same in the way of other Gulls with the usual species on site.
Rob Creek said
Wed Dec 27 1:14 PM, 2017
Weds 27th Dec (a brief call around 12.30 today)
- 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls (1 looks like part of the pair, the other looks like the single bird)
Rob Creek said
Fri Dec 22 3:29 PM, 2017
Friday 22nd Dec.
- The usual 2 Yellow-legged Gulls still here this morning on Sykes roof. - 4 Great Black-backed Gulls - 1 Argentatus Herring Gull (normally more) - 1 Redwing - 1 Mistle Thrush
Rob Creek said
Thu Dec 21 4:24 PM, 2017
Thursday 21st Dec
- 3 Yellow-legged Gulls present this morning.
The main 2 showing really well, calling etc. and the single bird not hanging around for long, it landed on a light post briefly near security lodge then flew off.
Rob Creek said
Wed Dec 20 9:38 AM, 2017
Weds 20th Dec 9.20am
- The main 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls still here on J&B Wildes roof doing their usual routine of calling and pair bonding.
Rob Creek said
Tue Dec 19 12:35 PM, 2017
Tuesday 19th Dec.
- The 3 regular Yellow-legged Gulls present this morning, 1 on post near security again and the main 2 on Sykes roof. - 2 adult Great Black-backed Gulls - 3 Argentatus Herring Gulls
Rob Creek said
Mon Dec 18 1:54 PM, 2017
Monday 18th Dec.
- 1 Yellow-legged Gull this morning on lamp post infront of security.
I couldn't see passed security due to the fog so I didn't bother driving on site to take a break as I wouldn't be able to see much, so what a stroke of luck that one happened to be right near the front gates.
Rob Creek said
Fri Dec 15 10:14 AM, 2017
Friday 15th Dec.
- All 3 Yellow-legged Gulls currently on site. - 1 Great Black-backed Gull - 3 Argentatus Herring Gull - 1 male Chaffinch
Rob Creek said
Thu Dec 14 10:11 AM, 2017
Thursday 14th Dec.
All 3 Yellow-legged Gulls currently on Sykes roof.
Rob Creek said
Wed Dec 13 11:14 AM, 2017
Wednesday 13th Dec
Happy days are here again...!!! - 3 adult Yellow-legged Gulls this morning. (The Smithfield 2 are back and the Loner)
I should've realised yesterday that at least 1 of the Smithfield 2 was back when I photographed it calling...it didn't twig, images below of the Loner and 1 of the main 2)
Quick early afternoon visit to a supplier, not been in a while, route dependent.
- 2 Argentatus Herring Gull
- 1 adult Lesser Black-backed Gull
- The rest seemingly immature Herring Gulls c8
- Vast majority were adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls
- at least 8 adult Herring Gulls
- 1 Great Black-backed Gull ...looked like the same one as last time 2nd CY coming out of its 1st W
Of note this afternoon though...
- 22 Lesser Black-backed Gulls (mainly adults)
- 2 adult Herring Gulls
- 1 1st W Great Black-backed Gull
So this is the history report below but the species is incorrect.
2G3B
Recapture History
Ring Age/ Capture
number Type Date Init Details
Lesser Black-backed Gull
GF57111 N 10 19/03/11 DHD Blackborough End, Norfolk
S 8 Sighted 18/07/11 PJE King's Lynn, Norfolk (8 km, NW, 121 days)
S 10 Sighted 29/07/11 CSM King's Lynn, Norfolk (8 km, NW, 132 days)
S 10 Sighted (R) 21/12/14 JMA Pinto, Madrid, Spain (1419 km, SSW, 3 yrs 277days)
Just incase anyone thought I'd forgotten about 2G3B from 07/12/17, I haven't, I finally got a reply today from one of Jez Blackburn's ringers after one of the main ringing coordinators Pete Rock stepped in. But, the report I've been sent with this particular Gulls history is for a Lesser Black-backed Gull. The Gull is infact a Herring Gull, so they are now checking their data inputs with previous sightings.
I'm intrigued to know what their findings are so I will update this as and when.
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Monday 19th of March 2018 11:03:07 PM
- 3 Argentatus Herring Gulls
- 4 adult Argenteus Herring Gulls
- 4 adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls
- 2 probably 1st W Great Black-backed Gulls
Not too sure what it all means but it looks like it was ringed in its 1st autumn 2015 (the same year it hatched - 3?).
Cheers.
Recapture History
Ring Age/ Capture
number Type Date Init Details
Herring Gull
GV31786 N 3 26/10/15 CB Rufforth Waste Disposal site, York
O 5 Sighted 22/01/16 Rufforth Airfield, York (4 km, S, 88 days)
S 7 Sighted 07/02/17 Audenshaw Reservoir, Greater Manchester (83 km, SW, 1 yr
104days)
S 7 Sighted 01/07/17 Whitburn,Tyne and Wear (110 km, N, 1 yr 248days)
Not many Gulls, only things of note...
- 1 Common Gull
- 3 Argentatus Herring Gulls
- 1 yellow ringed Herring Gull Y:106
- 8 adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls including 1 in adult plumage but with pink legs, cheers for the pointer on the bill Ian.
- less than 15 large Gulls incl...
- 2 Great Black-backed Gulls
- 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull
- 2 Argenteus Herring Gull
- rest were juv / imm's
- No sign of any Argentatus!
Again not many large Gulls around this morning, c15-20. I'm assuming the Yellow-legged Gulls may well have gone now.
- Great Black-backed Gull 2 ad / 1 1st W
- Lesser Black-backed 1 ad
- Argentatus Herring Gull 4
- 1 Grey Heron fairly low over the yard
Only 14 large Gulls present near the fish units including...
- 2 ad Great Black-backed Gulls
- 3 ad Lesser Black-backed Gulls
- 3 Argentatus Herring Gulls
- the remaining 6 being juvenile and young birds probably Herring Gull
- No sign of any Yellow-legged Gulls
Among the adult large Gulls were...
- 4 Argentatus Herring Gulls
- 3 Argenteus Herring Gulls
- 1 Great Black-backed Gull
- Again no sign of any Yellow-legged Gulls this morning.
- 9 Argentatus Herring Gulls
- 2 adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls
- 1 Yellow-legged Gull on Sykes roof at 1.22pm
(forgot to post as a works phone call distracted me)
Tuesday 30th Jan 9.20am
- No sign of any Yellow-legged Gulls
- 5 Great Black-backed Gulls
- 3 Argentatus Herring Gulls
- 1 Yellow-legged Gull stood on the roof of the main Fish Market reception right near security at 9.26am
- 3 Ring-necked Parakeets over and straight through
- 6 adult Great Black-backed Gulls
- 7 Argentatus Herring Gulls
- 1 adult Lesser Black-backed Gull
- 4 adult Argenteus Herring Gull
No sign of any Yellow-legged Gulls again
No sign of any Yellow-legged Gulls in the main fish unit area this morning.
- 3 Great Black-backed Gulls
- 1 Yellow-legged Gull flying low over the green and Ashton Old Rd in between security and Subway.
- 5 Argentatus Herring Gulls
- 4 Great Black-backed Gulls
- 12 Fieldfare
- 1 Yellow-legged Gull on China Star roof 9am and then showed well on lamp post in middle of yard.
I thought I could hear 1 calling but I could definitely only see 1
Also...
- 5 Argentatus Herring Gulls
- 6 adult Great Black-backed Gulls
- 4 adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls
- 1 Redwing
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Thursday 18th of January 2018 09:16:43 AM
- 1 Yellow-legged Gull on Sykes roof 12.14pm
- 1 Yellow-legged Gull (1 of the main 2) landed on Sykes roof at 3.16pm.
I'd made my collection and it was still there braving the sharp icey wind and hail as I left at 3.20pm.
Not many Gulls this afternoon.
- 2 adult Great Black-backed Gulls of note
Also a Sparrowhawk circling over the end of Bessemer Street where it meets Gorton Lane. It was being harassed by a Carrion Crow and a Jackdaw.
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Tuesday 16th of January 2018 08:04:01 PM
I've attached an image from Wednesday, a comparison shot of one of the Yellow-legged Gulls with a Lesser Black-backed Gull on J&B Wilde's. I'll put some more images on my Twitter so as not to clog the thread up with too many shots.
- 2 Yellow-legged Gulls
- 4 Great Black-backed Gulls
- 5 Argentatus Herring Gulls
- 1 Wren
- both the Smithfield 2 Yellow-legged Gulls present this morning.
1 showing well on Fishnet and J&B Wilde's roof. The other was sat on Sykes roof when it was displaced (unusually) by a landing Great Black-backed Gull. It didn't fly off though like other Gulls would, it simply stood up and walked slowly over the apex onto the adjacent slope.
- 4 adult Great Black-backed Gulls
- 6 (possibly more) Argentatus Herring Gull
- 1 of the Yellow-legged Gulls currently present.
- 4 adult Great Black-backed Gulls
- 5 Argentatus Herring Gull
- 1 Raven high over
Make that 2 Yellow-legged Gulls (the Smithfield 2) currently present on Fishnet roof.
W
Just 1 Yellow-legged Gull currently present, on Fishnet roof.
- Just 1 of the Yellow-legged Gulls currently present resting above J&B Wilde.
- 4 adult Great Black-backed Gulls
- 7 Argentatus Herring Gulls
- 2 Yellow-legged Gulls still (Smithfield 2)
(1 on Sykes roof, the other mobile around the yard)
- 4 Great Black-backed Gulls
- 1 Argentatus Herring Gull
Weds 3rd Jan 9.15am
- 2 Yellow-legged Gulls still present (Smithfield 2)
- 2 Great Black-backed Gulls
Couple of images of one of the Smithfield 2 braving the howling winds this morning, struggling to keep its balance above J&B Wildes.
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Wednesday 3rd of January 2018 11:25:48 PM
- A cracking start to 2018 as the Smithfield 2 Yellow-legged Gulls are back this morning. 1 showing well on a lamppost in the middle of the yard calling and the other briefly on JB Wildes roof then flew off over Bessemer St.
- 5 adult Great Black-backed Gulls
- 4 Argentatus Herring Gull
Happy new year to everybody on the forum
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Tuesday 2nd of January 2018 11:36:41 PM
Not a single Gull of any type present in the vicinity, as viewed from Bessemer Street. Seems like they were all at Redgate.
No problem cheers Keith.
Looks like all 3 Yellow-legged Gulls have gone AWOL again since Wednesday lunchtime. I will strive to make sure I post any noteworthy sightings (whenever I can) from either site, so that anyone reading these particular threads have plenty of info and left in no doubt as to what's there and when.
Cheers
Thanks anyway for all the info.
Friday 29th Dec
- no sign of any Yellow-legged Gulls this morning.
- 4 adult Great Black-backed Gulls
- 5 Argentatus Herring Gulls
I accessed the site on foot after parking up.
I found no Yellow-legged Gulls present at the time and soon dusk arrived. The same gateman, who knew the Gulls, advise me to come back early morning.
-- Edited by keith mills on Thursday 28th of December 2017 08:05:03 PM
Cheers Rob - perfect
Hi Rob,
Just to clarify viewing points for you (or indeed anyone going to here or Redgate)
Smithfield.
I only ever view from my wagon either parked up in a proper parking space near the unit I'm visiting as the Gulls are mainly in that immediate area, or Bessemer Street (if I've no need to be on site) which runs down the side of the market from Gorton Lane, and in the latter case I view through the railings and most of the Gulls are viewable.
Redgate.
I've never been on site to the actual rubbish tip, never, it's a smallish site and an industrial waste yard rather than a public drive in. Ive no need to go in the yard anyway as the Gulls are nearly always on the 384 building opposite the yard so just park up and view, they are really close.
Only once have I viewed in the main yard before they replaced one of the missing concrete blockers and the stunning Yellow-legged Gull I had that day was my avatar for ages.
Hope this helps
Hi Rob,
I called in on the way to work this morning, must have just missed you all. No Yellow-legged Gull for me either, there were a lot of large gulls at Redgate though but not settling.
Can you access the compound or is viewing only from outside the gates?
No sign of any Yellow-legged Gulls this morning.
Nice to meet the 2 North-east birders who follow our forum now and then, and had travelled over specifically for the Gulls. I hope they show for you lads.
Much the same in the way of other Gulls with the usual species on site.
- 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls
(1 looks like part of the pair, the other looks like the single bird)
- The usual 2 Yellow-legged Gulls still here this morning on Sykes roof.
- 4 Great Black-backed Gulls
- 1 Argentatus Herring Gull (normally more)
- 1 Redwing
- 1 Mistle Thrush
- 3 Yellow-legged Gulls present this morning.
The main 2 showing really well, calling etc. and the single bird not hanging around for long, it landed on a light post briefly near security lodge then flew off.
- The main 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls still here on J&B Wildes roof doing their usual routine of calling and pair bonding.
- The 3 regular Yellow-legged Gulls present this morning, 1 on post near security again and the main 2 on Sykes roof.
- 2 adult Great Black-backed Gulls
- 3 Argentatus Herring Gulls
- 1 Yellow-legged Gull this morning on lamp post infront of security.
I couldn't see passed security due to the fog so I didn't bother driving on site to take a break as I wouldn't be able to see much, so what a stroke of luck that one happened to be right near the front gates.
- All 3 Yellow-legged Gulls currently on site.
- 1 Great Black-backed Gull
- 3 Argentatus Herring Gull
- 1 male Chaffinch
All 3 Yellow-legged Gulls currently on Sykes roof.
Happy days are here again...!!!
- 3 adult Yellow-legged Gulls this morning.
(The Smithfield 2 are back and the Loner)
I should've realised yesterday that at least 1 of the Smithfield 2 was back when I photographed it calling...it didn't twig, images below of the Loner and 1 of the main 2)