Friday, 15 July 2016

Sabine's Gull - Carr Vale

I've just returned from a week in Iceland and was very surprised to hear that a Sabine's Gull had turned up at Carr Vale on Wednesday. Fortunately it was still there this morning and showing very well. 
It's outside my normal 'Darley Dale' range but only 13 miles as the Sabine's Gull flies and I could be waiting a long time for one on the River Derwent!
It's been reported as a first summer bird but the amount of yellow on the bill and large white wing tips  indicate to me that this is probably an adult or may be second summer. Adult's should be on the breeding grounds round the Article Circle now whereas second calendar year birds are thought to stay on the wintering grounds in the southern oceans.
There are just 5 prior records in the 20th Century in Derbyshire and one older record, so it's worth a look.

Sabine's Gull

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