Birds Photographed in the UK in 2006
(January - March)

Jonathan Wasse

Ring-billed Gull Larus delawarensis
Isle of Dogs, London, January 2006.

The regular wintering bird showed well at low tide on the mud opposite Lovell's Wharf. Note the characterisitc upperwing pattern in which the white mirror on P9 is smaller than that on P10. Note the black on P10 stretches further up the edge of the wing, than it would do on Common Gull. A "ring-billed" Common Gull is also shown here. Note the lack of a white tertial crescent and paler grey upperwings of the Ring-billed Gull when compared to neighbouring Commmon Gulls.

Penduline Tit Remiz pendulinus
Rainham Marshes, London, February 2006.

Two birds, a male and a female (out of the original six) were still present feeding in a circuit amongst the reeds. They showed very well.

Stonechat Saxicola torquata
Rainham Marshes, London, February 2006.

Several cracking Stonechats were present in the same reedbed as the Penduline Tits.

Laughing Gull Larus atricilla
Reading, Berkshire, February 2006.

A bird that presumably arrived in the UK as part of the influx in autumn 2005. Despite the rainy conditions this adult, present at this site since December, showed well with the Black-headed Gulls.

Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor
Walton-upon-Trent, Derbys., March 2006.

A cracking bird actively hunting in the scrub near to the Trent.

Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus
Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, March 2006.

Med Gulls still present with several adults calling frequently and pairing up. Belgian adult "25K" was present. I saw this bird at the site in August 2004. Adults and a second summer shown here. There were at least 5 each of: adults, 2nd summers and birds moulting into 1st summer plumage.