recieved orthodoxy (1 Viewer)

AM wondering why these gulls have been popping up? (SABINES)

Have always been told they were a september bird.

COuld it be something to do with the southerly winds? or being juvs are they just lost, and dont realise they are defying conventional tinking?

:king:

woodhornbirder said:

AM wondering why these gulls have been popping up? (SABINES)
Have always been told they were a september bird.
COuld it be something to do with the southerly winds? or being juvs are they just lost, and dont realise they are defying conventional tinking?
:king:

Click to expand...

Although September might be the best month for seeing Sabine's (juvs joining adults which have dispersed earlier), you have a chance on seawatches from mid-July to mid-November. October isn't unusual at all. One factor is observer bias; lots of people seawatch through late August/September, but come October, many birders don't bother putting the hours in. There are more interesting birds on the land, rather than stare out to sea for 'a few ducks and divers'.

The birds aren't lost, it's just part of their normal dispersal. Most will head south-west into the Atlantic but every year, some wander into the North Sea. Strong northerlies will give you more chance of seeing Sabs, but a small number can appear no matter what the weather.

However... it is unusual to get one come into a river/local fish quay, such as the recent one on the Tyne. Perhaps this bird was ill or exhausted for some reason. Seems like it flew north past Newbiggin after it left the Tyne, so fingers crossed, it's in good enough health.

Edit: still on the Tyne today! Great chance for superb close range views.