Birds Photographed in the UK in 2003
(early August)

Jonathan Wasse

Ring-billed Gull Larus delawarensis
Helston, Cornwall, August 2003.

A good spot for "Ring-bills". This long-stayer
is nearly in 2nd winter plumage. Good comparison
here with a Herring Gull (right).

It's favourite rock. I saw another here 2 years
ago that was very aggressive towards other gulls
including Herring Gulls. This bird was more mild
mannered.

A passing Buzzard to have a look at.

A cracking bird, the deep and long bill with its clear
black ring is easy to see.

Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus
Helston, Cornwall, August 2003.

A nice juvenile on the boating lake. It showed well
in flight as well, especially its clear white underwing.

Comparison with an adult Black-headed Gull (left).

The juvenile (right) with an adult (bottom left).

The adult bird (front) compared with an adult
Black-headed Gull.

A 1st summer bird (this time on Penzance beach),
compare with a Black-headed Gull (behind).

Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus
Lizard, Cornwall, August 2003.

This immature flew south then north along the Lizard,
at one point being mobbed by a Chough! A local Peregrine
made sure it moved on as well.

Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus
Bowling Green Marsh RSPB, Topsham, Devon,
August 2003.

The long staying immature showed distantly with Little
Egrets on the spit.