Fri 29th Nov
Probably around 250 large Gulls mid-afternoon.

- 21 ad Great Black-backed Gulls
- 2 ad Lesser Black-backed Gulls
- easily 30+ Argentatus Herring Gulls
- Black-headed Gull XU42 again

Sun 24th Nov
A 2 hour stint early morning and although there was nothing in the way of rarities, there was a few things of notable interest. Probably c200-250 large Gulls around the site.

- Argentatus Herring Gull with yellow legs
- possibly c50+ Argentatus Gulls
- c120 Black-headed Gulls
- 25+ adult Great Black-backed Gulls
- 4 adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls
- 1w Lesser Black-backed Gulls N:28J & N:46K
.. difficult to tell if LBb or HG with 1w, could be either or

Argentatus Herring Gulls
Obviously winter is the best time for UK Argentatus as numbers increase at various sites and I usually get a few here at Redgate, with around 20+ birds being the most Ive had.
Today I counted 29 individuals which as far as I know surpasses that, BUT I have wondered why its not higher, even though 29 is a good number for this site (I was quite chuffed to be fair) its probably not even a dent in the numbers that some county sites get.
Maybe I was being a bit optimistic as lets not forget its only a smallish site and NOT a ROOST where numbers will be higher. But the case might well be Im not giving them enough credibility in my identification of them. Im letting some individuals go as Argenteus mainly for 2 reasons - I think Im possibly looking for them to have more white on the primaries than whats already evident, and secondly if the mantle looks a bit on the pale side even though its got a good proportion of primary white, and yes I know there is vast variation in both races.

A realisation hit me earlier, and for the reasons given above, its only fair that I conclude there was more individuals present, so I would estimate there couldve been likely 50+ Argentatus today. Its a mistake on my part and I can only apologise for that, but hey ho - it happens.

Thurs 21st Nov

- Lesser Black-backed Gulls N:47J & N:40J
- c150 Black-headed Gulls
- 15+ Argentatus Herring Gulls

Tues 19th Nov

- adult Great Black-backed Gull

Norwegian ringed JE643, ringed as a chick in 2010 Ive had this bird at Redgate a few times in the last few years and so has Dan Gornall.
Theres a long list of Norwegian sightings, but other noteworthy UK sightings include Ashworth Moor Reservoir in Rochdale and Whinney Hill tip near Blackburn.

Also of note..
What I thought was a decent candidate for an adult Yellow-legged Gull but I only got a glimpse of the open wing primary formula so Im hoping it visits again so I get a chance to properly assess it, for now it will have to be relegated to a pale mantled Lesser Black-backed, a fine looking individual all the same.

- 100+ Black-headed Gulls
- 14 Argentatus Herring Gulls
- 4 adult Common Gulls

Sun 17th Nov
Almost a 2 hour stint this morning, plenty of Gulls present but couldnt see anything in the way of a rarity.

Of note..
- 7 Argentatus Herring Gulls
- 1w Lesser Black-backed Gull N:47J
- 1 Ring-necked Parakeet
- a single Redwing over

Sun 10th Nov
- 11 Argentatus Herring Gulls

Tues 12th Nov
- 2 Sparrowhawks circling just beyond Hyde Rd
Not many Gulls at all

Thurs 14th Nov
- 6 Argentatus Herring Gulls
- 1w Lesser Black-backed Gull N:47J