Thursday 5 April 2012

MEGA: NORTHERN FULMAR on Wilstone













Ernest Leahy located a stranded NORTHERN FULMAR on Wilstone Reservoir shortly after 1100 hours - only the second to ever be recorded and the first since 19 September 1959 ! Within minutes news had reached BirdGuides and instantly a major twitch was on.


Initially the bird was still quite active, attempting to make short flights, but after being attacked by Lesser Black-backed Gulls, it moved from off of the jetty to the bay left of Drayton Hide, and stayed pretty inactive from 1500 hours until dusk. By the time I was watching it late evening, it did seem to be somewhat moribund and was one of five birds found inland today, presumably displaced by the strong NE winds and snow further north.


Over 60 birders connected during the day and for all it was a county first - an absolute mega - Dave Bilcock managed some pretty decent shots (see above).


Today also saw a pair of RED-BREASTED MERGANSERS at Amwell

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