Birds Photographed in the UK in 2008

Jonathan Wasse

Iceland Gull Larus glaucoides
Rainham Marshes RSPB, London, February 2008.

The 1st winter Iceland present at Rainham, does look strange on the breast - but this is more than likely due to bathing, wind and or trick of the light.

Gull Larus
Rainham Marshes RSPB, London, February 2008.

A large pale 2nd winter gull. A hybrid with Glauc in it, or within the scope of a pure Glauc?

Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis
Rainham Marshes RSPB, London, February 2008.

A 2nd winter bird present in the gull masses along with 2x adult and 1x 4th winter YL Gull, a couple of Meds and the above pale gull.

Glaucous Gull Larus hyperboreus
Gt. Yarmouth, Norfolk, March 2008.

This large 1st summer bird showed well in the harbour, and literally glowed in flight.

Little Gull Larus minutus
Rainham Marshes RSPB, London, April 2008.

Up to 3 adults, including this pinky one taken in flight over Averley Pools. Migrants also included a good variety of waders such as Bar-tailed Godwit, Whimbrels and Greenshanks.

Ross'sGull Rhodostehia rosea
Lytham St Annes, Lancashire, May 2008.

This non-breeding plumaged adult showed well on the Ribble extuary. The bird was sadly found dead a few weeks later.

Red-footed Falcon Falco vespertinus
Ingleby, Derbyshire, May 2008.

One of an invasion year for this wonderful falcon. This 1st summer female hawked insects over the Trent.

Bluethroat Luscinia svecica svecica
Spurn, East Yorkshire, May 2008.

I was fortunate to find this gem whilst waiting for the Broad-billed Sandpiper to appear on the Humber.

Temminck's Stint Calidris temminckii
Titchwell RSPB, Norfolk, May 2008.

This regular Spring migrant showed well in a howling gale.

Garganey Anas querquedula
Rainham Marshes RSPB, London, May 2008.

One of 4 drakes present on the scrape by the visitor's centre.

Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus
Allerton Bywater, West Yorks., August 2008.

This adult showed only a few miles away from where the cracker of 1989 was found.

Audouin's Gull Larus audouinii
Chapel Six Marsh, Skegness, Lincs., August 2008.

The 5th for Britain, a near adult, was very elsuive during it's short stay. This sighting was at ca. 2.30pm on Thursday 21 August 2008.

Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta
Rainham Marshes RSPB, London, Nov. 2008.

An excellent lesson in Pipit id as this Water Pipit showed with a Rock Pipit and a couple of Meadow Pipits.

Glaucous Gull Larus hyperboreus
Rainham Marshes RSPB, London, Dec. 2008.

Is this a 1st summer bird moulting to 2nd winter? It spent a brief amount time on the Target Pools.

Green-winged Teal Anas carolinensis
Old Moor RSPB, Barnsley, South Yorks., Dec. 2008.

The 2nd for the Mecca showed well on its first day before wandering around.

Caspian Gull Larus cachinnans
Potteric Carr, Doncaster, South Yorks., Dec. 2008.

A long-staying 3rd winter present on Huxter marsh.