Cosmeston and The Knap

Cosmeston – no Lesser Scaup but did get brief views of what I believe to be a 4cy Yellow-legged gull before it headed off towards the bay.

Knapp Lake – Long-tailed duck was still there but strangely elusive. Also an adult winter Kittiwake put in a brief appearance but I think Andy may have got off a quick record shot before it flew away.

Cosmeston

drake Lesser Scaup on west lake amongst tufties – also two pair Wigeon and two drake Pochard. Was about to get a record shot when the driving hail convinced me that sitting sipping coffee behind some decent double glazing has some advantages. Which reminds me, any luck with the lesser whitethroat John?

Lol

Cosmeston – Bonapartes Gull

Picked the bird up in a large group of black-headed gulls on the West Lake around 10am. The bird flew off towards Cardiff Bay just as John Wilson was arriving – about 10:30 I guess. This is just a record shot thro my telescope – Andy Burns was with me and I expect he will post a link to his photos when he gets them onto the internet.

later : Andy got some great shots at

http://andyburnsphotography.zenfolio.com/bonapartes/h240b2116#h3424543a

Cosmeston – It has been a bit quiet for a couple of days

Here is a link to 6 photos of a bird which appeared briefly on 28th and again on 29th November.

Andy Burns was with me on the 29th and managed to get a few shots. I am struggling to make much sense of this one and would appreciate any opinions. In brief it is a large – larger than adjacent LBBs, mid tone (between LBB and argentaeus Herring gull), with dark bill with yellowish tip and legs appear to be flesh coloured. Am I missing something obvious?

http://andyburnsphotography.zenfolio.com/gulls/h3773c04#ha6d57d3