More From Shawell

Another Saturday and another one spent checking the gulls at my favourite spot. With news of the 'white-wingers' spreading it was no surprise to see a steady stream of visitors today. It was of course great to see everyone and the new viewing area provided by Tarmac is helping to make everyone's experience a little better. Parking is still an issue though.

Birdguides enhanced the sites reputation this week by saying the following in the review of the week:

'With it being such a poor winter for white-winged gulls so far, Shawell in Leicestershire only exacerbated the notion that it is one of the country's top gull-watching sites when it produced Kumlien's, Glaucous and Iceland Gulls between Christmas and New Year'.

Today we had a great time with a few other species vying for our attention. As well the gulls, both a Common and a Green Sandpiper were seen and also a female Merlin.

The first 'white-winger' to appear was the third-winter Kumlien's Gull that I first found on December 28th. It's primary markings were a little harder to see, but they were just visible.
It's strange how different light conditions make such a difference.

Third-winter Kumlien's Gull, Shawell Sand Quarry

The pale juvenile first seen on December 30th was seen briefly in flight and then later on it came down into the flooded sandpit.

Juvenile Glaucous Gull, Shawell Sand Quarry

Before the juvenile came on to the water an adult gull that I hastily identified as an Iceland Gull appeared. Reviewing the photos tonight I realised it is a small. probably female, Glaucous Gull. This is the 40th record of this gull species for Shawell. Note the large head and strong looking bill plus the short primary projection.

Adult Glaucous Gull, Shawell Sand Quarry