Gull-fest

The recent storms are playing havoc with our waterbirds on the marsh and in the Bay opposite with hurricane-force winds and driving rain making for really unpleasant conditions for all. However, on the bright side we have seen an influx of unusual species turning up, gulls in particular and in the last week the reserve has played host to an adult and immature Glaucous Gull from Iceland and an adult Kumlien's Gull from Baffin Island, Canada. The latter, formerly regarded as a sub-species of Iceland Gull (which also breed in Canada - not Iceland!) is now regarded by some authorities as a full-species and as such this is a 'first' for the reserve. Both species are occasionally seen on Longrock Pool or the grassland strip in the 'Sanctuary area' along the seafront. Otherwise, if you can stand up against the wind, you might find them out in Mount's Bay opposite - where I took this photo of the Kumlien's on a calmer day a week ago.