Monday, 3 August 2026

Rufford Gulls - 2nd August 2026

 Yesterday, I had a quick 45 minute visit to Rufford. Gull numbers had increased to c.40 Black-headed Gulls, and included the first juveniles of the year (4).6 ringed gulls were seen, including some that I've not had there for quite some time.

258A was one such bird. First ringed in February 2020, this bird has been a regular visitor to Rufford, but yesterday's sighting was my first since January 2026. So far, there haven't been any summer sightings.

258A

273A was ringed, as a juvenile bird in November 2021, and , again, has been a regular winter visitor to Rufford. This sighting was my first since 3rd January 2026. Again, no summer sightings.

273A

207C was ringed on 22nd December 2022, as an adult, and has been reported an amazing 47 times at Rufford. This was my second sighting this season.

207C

258C was ringed on 3rd December 2023, as a juvenile, and has been seen 30 times at Rufford. This is my first sighting since 17th January 2026. Again, no summer sightings.

258C

255F was ringed 30th November 2024, as a juvenile. Yesterday's sighting was only my 5th sighting since ringing, and my first since September 2025. Presumably, it pops into Rufford when it first arrives back, and then overwinters elsewhere. No summer sightings.

255F

2V03 was ringed on 18th January 2025, as an age 5, i.e. born on 2024. Yesterday's sighting was my first of the season, and only the fourth since ringing. I last saw this bird on 2nd September 2025. Again, presumably a bird that overwinters elsewhere. No summer sightings yet. 

2V03

Sunday, 2 August 2026

Year List and Mediterranean Gull

 Last week, whilst in Wales, Jayne and I added another two species to the "Year List", and saw a fantastic looking juvenile Mediterranean Gull.

The two new species were: Water Rail (174), with one seen feeding along the edge of the reeds in the wetlands between Malltreath and Pen Cob car park and Chough (175) that was seen at RSPB South Stack.

Chough C8

The last bird of interest in Wales, was a juvenile Mediterranean Gull, that we spotted whilst walking along the coastal path at Benllech. Here are a few pictures, taken whilst the bird was preening.



Mediterranean Gull