Wednesday 13 November 2019

Beddington Farmlands- Gull Comeback

Another interesting day at the farmlands. Ebird list HERE. Viridor are tipping again on the landfill which is attracting several thousand gulls including a superb adult Caspian Gull. We thought we may have seen the last of this local speciality after the landfill was officially closed last winter so a very welcome (if brief) return. Apparently they need to tip some rubbish as the Incinerator is not fully commissioned yet.  Also a first-winter Mediterranean Gull.  Other highlights included at least 7 Water Pipits, 7 Green Sandpiper and 5 Stonechat and Frankie and Tank had Siskin and Bullfinch. Good numbers of finches about- the very good conditions of 100 acre and south-east corner are attracting both wetland and seed eating species.

 Adult Caspian Gull (above and below). Extensive white in the primary tips indicates an individual from the west of it's range. 

 First-winter Mediterranean Gull 
 Meadow Pipit and Stonechat 
 Green Sandpiper 
 A sight we thought we'd seen the last of- good to see the gulls back for probably one last time 

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