A Gull with a Black Head ..... (1 Viewer)

[Mike Robinson]

I noticed this character earlier today by the Outfall of the Crossness Sewage Works (the tidal Thames). My automatic assumption was that it was a Black-Headed Gull but unlike the majority of said Gulls this one actually has a black head. And seemingly black beak. It is of similar size to other Black-Headed Gulls. I would be grateful for confirmation that it is a Black-Headed Gull please.

A million thanks .....

 

[lou salomon]

it's a bonaparte's gull!!!

 

[Mike Robinson]

Golly: I did wonder but didn't really dare hope.

On the basis it is a BG and being unusual should I tell anyone in particular please? Thanks .....

 

[Phil Andrews]

Hopefully RBA who are following this thread at the mo will get the news out

Edit: just broadcast on pager

 

[Andy1979]

Yes, certainly looks good for Bonaparte's. This should be moved to the rare birds thread as I'm sure London birders would like to catch a Bonaparte's this year. The last one was May 2012 at the same location!

 

[Mike Robinson]

Dear Phil: so I don't need to do anything.

Mike Robinson

 

[James Lowther]

just posted a newly titled thread referring back to this one but needn't have bothered i see!!
;-)

congrats on the find - nice looking bird
james

 

[Mike Robinson]

Dear James (and everyone else): thanks very much. I'm feeling quite excited! Mike .....

 

[Brian2]

congrats Mike, nice find

 

[Mike Robinson]

Dear Brian: thanks .....

 

[Andy1979]

Dear Phil: so I don't need to do anything.

Mike Robinson

All that's left is to submit your sighting to the BBRC for acceptance in the records (presuming you subscribe to this 'authority' rather than the 'other' one..).

Andy M.

 

[Rich Bonser]

Mike,
A fantastic find and thanks for posting your comment on my blog. I guess this is a returning bird from one of the two last year. An absolute stunner and the third ever London record. I thought you said that gulls were too complicated for you the other week when we met up! You underestimate yourself...

I'm with my folks today but will be down there tomorrow as planned. You've certainly trumped the couple of Med Gulls I had down there on Sunday.

Cheers and all the best
Rich

 

[Steve Arlow]

Rich

I may be tempted for this bird, as I've not been to Crossness is it easy enough place to find?

I guess being there for when the tide rises in the morning would be the best course of action

 

[Rich Bonser]

Rich

I may be tempted for this bird, as I've not been to Crossness is it easy enough place to find?

I guess being there for when the tide rises in the morning would be the best course of action

Hi Steve
Easy enough. All you do is park at the end of Lytham Close or in the car park at Thamesview Golf Centre and walk east along the Thames path for about 1/2 mile to the outfall. Low tide is 6.50am and high tide 1.05pm tomorrow. To be honest, the Black-headed Gulls seem to be present in all tidal states - actually often more dispersed at low tide.

Been with the folks today, so will be out early tomorrow - just give me a bell if you need to.
Cheers
Rich

 

[simmojunior]

Hi Steve
Easy enough. All you do is park at the end of Lytham Close or in the car park at Thamesview Golf Centre and walk east along the Thames path for about 1/2 mile to the outfall. Low tide is 6.50am and high tide 1.05pm tomorrow. To be honest, the Black-headed Gulls seem to be present in all tidal states - actually often more dispersed at low tide.

Been with the folks today, so will be out early tomorrow - just give me a bell if you need to.
Cheers
Rich

Hi Rich,

Will be going by public transport so can you put news out either way in the morning please?

Thanks,

Oli

 

[Mike Robinson]

Dear Andy: submitted to the BBRC. Truth to tell, until a short while ago I was in blissful ignorance of the existence of the BBRC let alone the 'other' (?) one!

Dear Rich: thanks; you are very kind. I see that John Archer has also seen the bird (London Bird Wiki) which greatly pleases me, his being another actual sighting; I met him on the Path earlier this evening. With regard to young Gulls honesty compels me to admit that I think they might remain a mystery although I'm hoping to give them a real bashing some time soon.

 

[Mark Batten]

How easy is it to get to the site by Public Transport? Would be coming into London through Kings Cross.

 

[dantheman]

With regard to young Gulls honesty compels me to admit that I think they might remain a mystery although I'm hoping to give them a real bashing some time soon.

Probably the best thing. Just try and ensure there aren't any witnesses ...

( )



Nice one on the Bonaparte's though!

 

[tarzzz]

WOW, nice bird, BG.

//ben

 

[Mike Robinson]

Dear Mark: by public transport one way would be to catch a train from Charing Cross, London Bridge &c. to Belvedere. You then walk up Norman Road (see Google Maps), across the A2016 and rejoin Norman Road. You will almost immediately come across the entrance to the Nature Reserve. Head in a northerly direction up to the River and you will emerge very close to the Outfall. I hope that helps. Mike .....