A bright sunny morning with some cloud on a light SSW>3 at 5 degrees. By midday the wind had increased with full cloud cover.
With 2 reports and photos of a 1CY Iceland gull on the water at Horton Bank Top yesterday I felt that I had to go check it out today. I'm not into twitching other folks birds but being only 5 minutes down the road I thought it was worth a try.
Nothing showing early morn other than 12 Herring gull, 4 LBB and several small gulls. A single
Great Crested Grebe was present in full summer plumage but otherwise just the usual 2 Mute Swans, Coots, Moorhens and Mallards whilst 3 Song Thrushes were up singing in the trees.
On then to Wibsey Park where 10 Herring and 1 LBB gulls were present along with around 50 Black Headed. A good count of 18 Tufted duck as well as 2 Mute Swan, Greylags and Canadas plus the usual park lake species. Another singing Song Thrush here plus a surprise to find a single Greenfinch.
Still thinking Iceland gull, I stopped off at Bank Top on the way home for another check but very few big gulls present.
Thinking afternoon is the best time for gulls I extended the afternoon dog walk back for a third check but despite 23 Herring gulls on the water, no sign of an Iceland. That's enough chasing around for Iceland gull, I'll wait for one to come to me at Ogden now.
A mostly cloudy day for tomorrow with a moderate sou'westerly at 7 degrees and chance of rain after midday.
BS