Birds Photographed in the UK in 2002

Jonathan Wasse

Slavonian Grebe Podiceps auritus
Wells, Norfolk, February 2002.

A confiding individual that fed in the harbour with a
group of Little Grebes.

A regular winter visitor to the Norfolk coast, unlike the
similar Black-necked Grebe.

Ivory Gull Pagophila eburnea
Porthmadog, Wales, February 2002.

A bumper winter for Ivory Gulls with this well appreciated
individual attracting many observers.

Great views were had, despite the rain, as it fed on
a dead Harbour Porpoise.

Ring-billed Gull Larus delawarensis
Greenwich, London, March 2002.

A small adult feeding with the Common Gulls on the Thames.
One or two are seen most years around Greenwich.

The small size may suggest a female.

Ross's Gull Rhodostethia rosea
Scarborough, North Yorkshire, April 2002.

A nice Yorkshire tick on Easter Friday. This adult winter
gave distant views on the sea with one or two brief close-up
views as it flew along the promenade.

Long-eared Owl Asio otus
Elmley RSPB, Kent August 2002.

Whilst waiting for the sub-adult male
Pallid Harrier to perform this beauty
drew the crowds as well.

Roseate Tern Sterna dougallii
Whitley Bay, Tyneside August 2002.

More than 25 birds were present at this site. I
managed to see 3 or 4 adults and a couple of juvs.
Note the paleness of the upperparts compared with
nearby Common Terns.

Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis
Whiteley Bay, Tyneside, August 2002.

Nice size comparison between the Sandwich
(left) and Common (right) Terns.

White Stork Ciconia ciconia
Cottenham, Cambridgeshire, September 2002.

Another one that will be labelled as "of unknown
origin".

Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva
Whitburn, County Durham, September 2002.

A cracking moulting adult bird. It spent much of its
time showing really well, only occasionally joining
the 100+ flock of Golden Plovers. Whilst watching
this bird a few Barnacle Geese were moving in off
the sea, including a flock containing a lone small
-race Canada Gosse.

Barred Warbler Sylvia nisoria
Spurn, East Yorkshire, September 2002.

A remarkably showy bird that would give good
views feeding on the berries.

The first one I have seen for a few years.
Forgot how big they were!

American Wigeon Anas americana
Scarborough, North Yorkshire, September 2002.

An eclipse drake with Eurasian Wigeon A. penelope
on the sea at Scalby Mills.

Rose-coloured Starling Sturnus roseus
RAF Cranwell, Lincolnshire, November 2002.

Great views of this juvenile feeding in a garden. It was sad to see it not in good health.

Apparently it got better during its stay.