Winter 2025/2026 Birding Highlights

Towards the end of December, just before Christmas, good wader watching on the Thames at and opposite Rainham Marshes RSPB including the Thamesmead Peninsula, London. About 450 or so Black-tailed Godwits are wintering and hosted a Bar-tailed Godwit (20th/21st). A colour-ringed Black-tailed Godwit was present (20th) with a history of visiting the Thames Estuary since at least July 2021. A lone Ruff present in the area and 200 Dunlin noted on the 20th, over 1000 in the area this winter. Also seen were colour-ringed Black-headed Gulls (yellow 2HSX and 2PNF) ringed locally 10 years or so ago with the former being seen in Leipzig, Germany in June 2018. 9 Brent Geese flew downriver (21st), noteworthy.

As the year came to a close, back home the South Yorkshire moorland edge brought in several raptor sightings and Crossbills were seen on most dates. On the 26th at least 24 in 3 groups moved between the evergreens of neighbouring moorland reservoirs. 

Twitched the Black-winged Kite in the Norfolk Broads at St Benet's Abbey. The location as famous for its history as for hosting this big rarity to Great Britain, though arguably rarity status should change in the years to come. Arrived just after 10.00am the morning after news broke late on Boxing Day. No sign, despondent birders and confusion. A bitingly cold northerly wind and grey clouds maybe not inviting but the ruins of the Abbey offered shelter from the wind. The cloud cover did offer fine visibility and up until lunch the birding was good. Red Kites, Buzzard, Marsh Harrier and Kestrels seen. All 3 Egret species noted, half a dozen Whooper Swans and not to forget the bugle-like call that signalled up to a dozen Cranes in the area. Of what was turning into the first push of cold weather movement of White-fronted Geese into Great Britain, several were present in a mixed goose flock by the car park. On leaving just after 1.30pm and passed birders further along the entrance road arriving towards the site, they were both in a hurry and had that focused look on their faces that screamed out that "something's turned up". Soon back on site to breaking news that the Black-winged Kite was on show. From out of nowhere there it was hovering into the wind about a distant hedgerow, an area we had all been staring at on and off that morning! Distant but fantastic views. Never thought I would see this species in Great Britain.

The late December cold weather movement of Geese must be responsible for bringing in the unringed immature White-tailed Eagle to Yorkshire's Lower Derwent Valley between York and Selby. Very good chance of it being a wild individual tgat would usually winter on the continent. Twitched it with my Dad (28th) and saw it again on the 31st, most of the time it was either out of sight or perched up on distant floodbank. Always great to see and when in fight it dwarfed the attentive Buzzard and Marsh Harrier. Pink-footed Geese and 50+ Whooper Swans at this extensive wetland. Good to catch up with birders not bumped into for a while, please check out Alan Whitehead's cracking blog with a focus on the Eagle sightings over the Christmas period.

On both visits after leaving the Eagle early afternoon ended the birding day at the extremes of the Humber estuary, namely east of Goole at Blacktoft Sands RSPB (28th) and near Spurn at The Outstrays Nature Reserve (31st).

Blacktoft Sands RSPB held 12+ Marsh Harriers patrolling the reedbeds in the hour or so before sunset joined by nice views of a ringtail Hen Harrier late on. Kingfisher seen and both Bearded Reedlings and Cetti's Warblers heard 'pinging' and scolding respectively from deep within the reeds. 

The Outstrays Nature Reserve, constructed through developing the Humber shoreline south of Patrington. Lots of potential for good birding and surely to be a factored into a future visit to Spurn. The site may take off similarly to the introduction of Kilnsea Wetlands. From a screen a small an immature male Peregrine watched the shore sat atop a snag, leaving only to take issue with a male Hen Harrier flying by, and a ringtail seen later over the shoreline as was a Barn Owl on looking back 'inland'. In fields to the north of the saltmarsh a group of 40 White-fronted Geese were present, and separately over 200 Brent Geese fed nearby. A selection of waders fed on the mudflats.

Old Moor RSPB, Barnsley, South Yorkshire held Goosanders and Marsh Harriers as one year ended and another started, plus 2 Red Kites drifting over the reserve on the penultimate day of 2025 were great to see. The site served as a late afternoon gull roost throughout and in early January 3 Caspian Gulls present on The Mere, 2x yellow colour-ringed 1st winters of clearly differing sizes and an adult. The colour-ringed Gulls too distant to read their combination, but a Cormorant with an orange colour-ring (442) was ringed in Cheshire in 2025 (per GL).

Back on the moors a male Merlin was a nice surprise on New Year's Day, it tried without success to disguise its flight to a flock of Goldfinches, and left swiftly and disappointed as the finches dispersed. At the turn of the year attention turns to movements of Pink-footed Geese across South Yorkshire, but this time additional focus was on the cold weather movement of White-fronted Geese. We were lucky to see the flock of 9 White-fronted Geese in the Scout Dike area do a couple of circuits of the reservoir before flying east (3rd).

Into the New Year and at Rainham Marshes RSPB a Jack Snipe showed reasonably well (17th), a date that saw 3 Corn Buntings along the landfill fenceline with 50 of the wintering Avocets in nearby Aveley Bay. However, the highlight were the single flock of approximately 50 White-fronted Geese in flight, calling as they headed east late morning over the reserve's northern boardwalk. Wintering Rock Pipits on the Thames shore this day and the next when Peregrine and Yellow-legged Gulls (1st winter and 2nd winter) seen about the Thamesmead Peninsula. The following Saturday (24th) produced 2 Brent Geese flying past Rainham Marshes RSPB, continuing Rock Pipits, Ruff and 2 each of Red Kite and Raven.

End of January (31st) visit to RSPB Wallasea Island found towards the Essex coast. The reserve developed from the excavations from the Crossrail project (Elizabeth Line). The visit chosen to coincide with a morning rising tide. Not only an excellent site for waders pushed in by the tide, good for wintering raptors.

Raptors - A Short-eared Owl was hunting close to the car park on arriving, Barn Owl seen from here at distance shortly afterwards, then a prolonged view of a ringtail Hen Harrier flying below the river wall. Several more sightings of presumably the same ringtail throughout the day plus brief views of an adult male Hen Harrier causing ducks to flush at the back of the reserve. A perched up adult female Peregrine surveyed all from the ground, whereas a small male Peregrine inspected the reserve from up high. Marsh Harriers, Buzzards, Sparrowhawk and Kestrels seen with a Merlin in a hurry seen from the car park heading towards the river before leaving the site.

Wildfowl - 100 or so Brent Geese in the area and 4 White-fronted Geese noted as well as the regular Canada and Greylag Geese. 4 Barnacle Geese presumed to be Category C types. Nice selection and views of dabbling Ducks and a female/immature Red-breasted Merganser showed from a hide, though it was busy feeding during our visit.

Waders - at least 10 species seen, Golden Plovers into the 1000s ever spooked over the grasslands. About 100 Grey Plovers on the estuary mud where 100s of Knots if not more were ever restless on the incoming tide. Here 200 Bar-tailed Godwits noted and about 300 Black-tailed Godwits were on the reserve's main pool. Redshanks commonly seen and 2+ wintering Greenshanks nice to see.

Others - Cormorants, Grey Herons, Little Egrets, a lone Great White Egret and 2 sleeping Spoonbills added to the variety, not to forget Kingfisher and several Corn Buntings.

February and a 1st winter Caspian Gull showed well at Wansted's Jubilee pond, and on the same date (8th) a pair of Egyptian Geese swam across a nearby pond with several small goslings. The warm weather for this date may have contributed to a Green Woodpecker to 'yaffle' and singing Chiffchaff. Visits to Rainham Marshes RSPB later in the month produced another 3 White-fronted Geese, 5 Water Pipits and continuing Rock Pipits.

Then Winter tiptoed into Spring and it was time for...

More average photos uploaded at 'Latest UK Bird Photos'. Please enjoy.

2025 - Summer and Autumn Birding

July, it was summer but this month is the start of autumn birding. Returning waders heading south for the autumn/winter anticipated and at Rainham Marshes RSPB, London Black-tailed Godwits numbered slowly increased, Curlew back on the Aveley Bay shore and other noteworthy sightings were Whimbrel (3) towards the end of the month and a handful of Green Sandpipers from mid-month. Also expected at this time was a build- up of Yellow-legged Gulls including several juvs. Great White Egret regular on site (5 on 19th). Yellow Wagtails regular and a fresh juv. Stonechat (20th) suggested local breeding. In the air Marsh Harriers showed well with what appeared to be a 1st summer Hobby that would prove to linger, Red Kite and Peregrine sightings logged. Raven present in the area. Of summer visitors Sand Martins gave nice views and Yellow Wagtails could be glimpsed on occasion. Towards the end of the month both juv. and adult Mediterranean Gulls were on the shore across the Thames at Erith.

August, much the same in terms of continuing returning waders along the Thames at Rainham Marshes RSPB, London and across at Erith. Greenshank added to the list (2nd), and a skittish flock of Turnstones (6 on 16th) nice to see after a squally shower. Nearby along the Thamesmead Peninsula a group of Ringed Plovers (8) seen on the same date. A handful of Yellow-legged Gulls noted in the area throughout, with an adult colour-ringed Mediterranean Gull (Red – PLET - Poland) present on Erith Causeway (10th).

Mediterranean Gull

Back on the moorland edge of the Peak District at the end of the month Red Kite and Hobby noted, as was a wide ranging passage Marsh Harrier. Crossbills regular about the evergreen fringed reservoirs and Nightjars remained late in the month. Sign of autumn being a passage juv. Wheatear along a moorland Clough, Yellow Wagtails following Cattle before heading off south for the winter. In the South Yorkshire lowlands 2 eclipse drake Red-crested Pochard seen at Broomhill Flash, Barnsley, which held Wood Sandpiper (2) and juv. Garganey (26th). 

September, and early in the month the Peak District moorland edge still produced Hobby sightings, and also of its smaller feisty cousin. On the 5th both Swallows (110+) and House Martins (50+) headed south. Back on the theme of raptors wasn’t expecting the addition of a Lancaster Bomber to the raptors seen about the Peak District moorland edge. One flew west on the 5th. Nearby, an Osprey flew south at speed heading towards Sheffield the following day, also saw Swift and Whimbrel heading south plus my first Ring Ouzel of the year rattling away moving down a moorland Beck. Still early in the month Old Moor RSPB, Barnsley, showed why it is, arguably, one of the best places to attract and watch passage waders in the country offering a variety of species including double figures of Greenshank and a handful of Ruff. Spoonbill (3 on 3rd), 2 elusive Mandarin Ducks, a couple of Hobby sightings and Marsh Harrier noted as was both adult Yellow-legged Gull and Caspian Gull on the 4th.  Now, of the Gulls along the River Don, Sheffield a classic juv to 1st winter Caspian Gull (Yellow P:A2N – ringed in Poland and assigned to species) and another similar aged (Yellow P:OSR - ringed in Poland but not assigned to species), both allowed for good study at times alongside a similar aged Yellow-legged Gull, that earlier took delight in biting any gull that got close to it. Please scroll down the blog for a detailed blog post of the Gulls.

Greenshank

Caspian Gull

Back at Rainham Marshes, RSPB, London presumably the continuing 1st summer type Hobby remained until just short of mid-month and the nearby Thamesmead Peninsula held a Caspian Gull acquiring 2nd winter plumage with immature Yellow-legged Gulls still present.

Caspian Gull

Birding Cyprus in late September was essentially Birding Akrotiri focussing on the raptor migration. Please scroll down the blog for a detailed blog post. In brief, it was excellent, of the order of 20 species of raptor seen and the Honey Buzzards were very showy. Two watchpoints visited, mornings at the Water Tower watching raptors leave the Phassouri Forest Hotel and then the Beehives to watch others check in there during the afternoon. The afternoon of Tuesday 23 September 2025 was particularly spectacular, raptors still coming in to roost at 5.30pm when there is usually a drop off in numbers from 4pm. Arguably 1000 Honey Buzzards in, stopped counting early at 460 to simply take in the spectacle of a sky constantly full of raptors with clear movement in from the north. 2 Booted Eagles in noteworthy, a Lesser Spotted Eagle, Bonelli’s Eagles and several ringtail Harriers, some identified as Montagu’s or Pallid and others rightfully left as “Pallid/Monty’s”. Red-footed Falcon, Hobby and Eleonora’s Falcon could be relied upon as could a juv. Black-winged Kite, a scarce visitor to Cyprus, that surveyed all from its perch near Akrotiri Marsh. Away from the raptors, finally caught up with a White-throated Kingfisher on Cyprus, what an amazing species!

Honey Buzzard

Booted Eagle

White-throated Kingfisher

October, and back at Rainham Marshes RSPB, London where Great White Egret continued. Rock Pipits (2 on 11th) served as a reminder that winter was around the corner.

Just after mid-month back on the Peak District moorland edge and a movement of Pink-footed Geese (ca. 600 in 5 skeins on 19th) always nice to see. Both Peregrine and Sparrowhawk took an interest in Fieldfares and Redwing fresh in moving through from berry bush to berry bush, with one Fieldfare falling victim to a Sparrowhawk sortie. At one location a spectacular flock of Redpoll (350+) graced the top of a shallow moorland valley, and allowed for good scope views for which all seen well were ‘Lesser Redpoll’. Crossbills again showed on a couple of visits, seemingly becoming regular after a few recent lean years.

Pink-footed Geese

November, and at Rainham Marshes RSPB, London an impressive flock of nearly 500 Black-tailed Godwits look set to winter. A Brent Goose (16th) and Grey Plover (23rd) at Aveley Bay were nice to see, Avocets continued as did Marsh Harriers  (up to 6) and at least 3 Red Kites, a species which seems to be regular here now. Yellow-legged Gull present and both Water Pipit and Grey Wagtail seen on most visits. Ended the month twitching in London the returning (with a 2 winter absence) adult Caspian Gull at Eagle Pond, Snaresbrook and Lesser Scaup, (Greater) Scaup, Great Northern Diver and a few Black-necked Grebes at Staines Reservoirs on the same day (30th).

Caspian Gull

Scaup

Into December, and before the Winter Solstice, Water Pipit continued at Rainham Marshes RSPB, London which held a colour-ringed Black-tailed Godwit amongst 250 others and a lone Bar-tailed Godwit (20th). Thamesmead Peninsula revealed at least 3 Common Sandpipers on the 7th with 3 adult winter Yellow-legged Gulls and an adult winter Caspian Gull present on the same date.

Caspian Gull

More average photos uploaded at 'Latest UK Bird Photos'. Please enjoy.

Birding Cyprus September 2025 - Summary

Back on Cyprus (birding from 22 to 29 September) the focus on looking for migrating raptors. This became a routine of getting to Akrotiri to see them leave in the morning with migration continuing into the afternoon, and seeing those coming into roost for the night at Phassouri Forest as viewed from Akrotiri Beehives. Also visited Akrotiri Marsh, Oroklini Marsh and Larnaca SW.

The weather throughout was warm, approximately 30C and most days dominated by blue skies. Several welcome marker clouds did appear at times. Winds variable, mainly light and usually starting with a southerly component. The exception being Thursday 25th when the to be expected light to brisk westerly wind started first thing instead of the afternoon, I passed on raptor counting that day.

Akrotiri - Water Tower (AM)

Akrotiri Water Tower located SW of the village is, arguably, the main place to see raptors in the morning taking to the skies on migration after leaving their overnight roost. This is providing there isn't a strong wind from a westerly direction pushing the birds over the eastern side of the peninsula. As the morning progresses the passage perhaps includes other raptors flying directly over Cyprus, not from a local roost.

Aimed to arrive no later than 0930 each day, traffic permitting. Honey Buzzards were lifting off by then and this movement generally had tailed off by 1100 at the latest. Other large raptors joining them on their way south from overnight roost included Marsh Harriers, Black Kites, Bonelli's Eagles and Booted Eagles. Montagu's Harriers likewise. Sometimes difficult to work out which birds were truly on the move, as several birds did a U-turn namely one or two Bonelli's Eagle that were always happy to pick a fight with a passing raptor, and the Egyptian Vulture on one date appeared to leave to the South only to reappear half-hour later over the water tower and then present over the Beehives site in the afternoon. 

Falcons included Kestrels, Red-footed Falcons, Eleanora's Falcons and Peregrine. Red-footed Falcons clearly on the move but were the Eleanora's Falcons just local birds on feeding flights, or did some head off south as well? So as the morning rush subsided birds from afar were moving onto the peninsula and through, such as a couple of Ospreys and a ridiculously high flying Short-toed Eagle, whose ghostly image is captured in the record photo below.

As the clock approached noon looking straight up into the heavens to catch a dot or two, sometimes rewarded with more raptors passing through on the same line. Sparrowhawks moving overhead, most Eurasian but a couple of “Levants” picked out, one female type was reasonably close allowing to see the pointed wing profile, end primary tips kind of dipped in ink, plus a contrast across the underwing and body. One high flying one took a dislike to a juvenile Bonelli's Eagle, probably the “Bonelli's” that saw off a Lesser Spotted Eagle a few moments later. A great variety of raptors, but you need to put the time in, hope the visit coincided with a movement, with the weather favourable for viewing a passage at this location. Not just raptors on the move, flocks of Bee-eaters up high, both Barn Swallows and Red-rumped Swallows plus Sand Martins through and a couple of Pallid Swifts.

Particular Highlights:

• Egyptian Vulture – (27th) picked up this large raptor moving down the west cost with a couple of Honey Buzzards. It appeared to go off south but returned circling over the coast by the water tower and then seen later at the Beehives raptor watch.
• Lesser Spotted Eagles – (28th) 2 birds were called out fairly close to the observers and were joined by another, they circled and drifted off north. Nice to study the profile of high-flying eagles.
• Osprey – (28th) 3 south together over the Salt Lake was nice to see, when flagged to me it was good to study the ”flappy” approach of this species compared to the gentle soaring and drifting of other large raptors.

A great variety of raptors seen, the table below includes personal counts, perhaps an underestimate in places, but hope they show the variation or trends over the period.

Akrotiri - Beehives (PM)

Akrotiri Beehives, raptor watching here basically involved looking east staring at the western edge of Phassouri Forest from the road junction leading away from Akrotiri Marsh. The place to see raptors coming into roost during the afternoon. Don’t forget to occasionally look back towards Akrotiri Marsh for incoming raptors, Little Swifts and perhaps a perched up Black-winged Kite.

Aim to count the Honey Buzzards and other raptors flying in to roost and, some of which may still be thinking of continuing south in an attempt to cross the Mediterranean Sea. A clear tail off of Honey Buzzard passage as the week drew to a close, but always worth a watch, even if the afternoon westerly wind picked up that could push birds into the eastern side of the trees. Most of the raptor species seen at the Water Tower seen here, plus one definite juvenile Pallid Harrier. Usually closer views here than at the morning location, but views could be hampered if the raptor kept at the treeline, or went into roost without much of a fly by.

Better views of Bee-eaters here and most days a Masked Shrike sat on a Tamarisk across the road. Spotted Flycatcher about and Whinchat noted on one watch. The rare to Cyprus Black-winged Kite stared at us from its lofty Akrotiri Marsh perch on a couple of visits, probably wondering what we were doing. Not to forget a flyby of the White-throated Kingfisher, more on that rarity below.

Particular Highlights:

• Honey Buzzards - The afternoon of the 23rd was simply brilliant. Honey Buzzards streaming in, still flying into the trees at 1730. We stopped counting at 460 to take in the spectacle, and up to 1000 must have flown into roost either here or at the neighbouring Salt Lake/Plain.
• Booted Eagle – 3 sightings of 2 pale phase birds of this uncommon autumn migrant on the 23rd against a sky with dotted wispy clouds allowed for good study.
• Falcons – present throughout with Kestrel, Hobby, Red-footed Falcon and Eleonora’s Falcon regularly seen. Views allowed good study of the profiles plus flight style of each.

Same caveat with the following table as for the one above.

Akrotiri – Marsh

Akrotiri Marsh dominated by a reedbed running west to east ending a few hundred yards before the Beehives and start of Phassouri Forest. Characterised by marshy habitat and grazed land on its northern edge. A site always worth a look even if the marshy areas were dry, only noticeable water being the small pool at the Tower Hide.

A good place to see Spur-winged Plovers with Yellow Wagtails present around the cattle. Singles of Glossy Ibis and Cattle Egret present on one visit and a lone Squacco Heron present on two dates. Juvenile and immature Bonelli's Eagles patrolled the area and one chased a Snipe, the ever present Marsh Harriers took evasive action. Red-throated Pipit noted once and a group of 6 Lapwings were in the area. Migrating Honey Buzzards noted and Kestrels commonplace, with both Red-footed Falcons and Eleanora's Falcons seen. A juvenile Black-winged Kite in the area, nice to see this scarce visitor to the island, most times perched up but a couple of nice flight views revealing its gentle flight action.

The feisty kite would have taken star billing but for the White-throated Kingfisher in the area. After brief flight views at the 'Beehives', this was followed by another flight in near darkness one evening at the Tower Hide. Then, on walking down the track to the Tower Hide early evening on 26th, it gave its loud chattering call and was there in flight flew towards us at head height to turn and perch up in a nearby tree. After a minute or so it was off to the nearby Eucalyptus grove. Later it flew in front of the Tower Hide, the chatter betraying its presence. Common Kingfisher regular here, would have been nice to see the two side-by-side.

Akrotiri – Plain/Gravel Pits

The Plain/Gravel Pits extending south from the marsh down towards Akrotiri village, a vast open area with scrub, shingle beach, scattered pools and tracks.

Visited a couple of times, saw a juvenile Red-backed Shrike and on the coast a group of Kentish Plovers and Greenshank. 2 Greater Flamingos flew north here. One visit to take in the seemingly resident Black-necked Grebe on the pool near the chapel.

Larnaca Sewage Works

Don’t be put off by the name, this refers to the 2 massive water basins south of Larnaca airport as viewed from a hide. An oasis for passage birds, although views can be distant and the setting sun makes evening viewing troublesome.

It’s a place where you can see some specialities, chance of a rarity and you should always add to your trip list here. On my only visit here, the evening of the 25th, waders skirted the synthetic edge and nice to pick out Turnstone, Ruff and many Ringed Plovers. Autumn passage White Wagtails (6) seen, lots of Shovelers, Teal and Mallard and 20+ Ferruginous Ducks. Black-necked Grebes present and 7 Whiskered Terns fished the right-hand basin. Cormorant and Black-headed Gulls made their way onto the trip list as did a juvenile Roller present on roadside wires by the dried up Meneou Pools on the way to the site.

Oroklini Marsh

Another birding oasis on the outskirts of Larnaca. Essentially the northern pool with water in autumn only as viewed from the hide, with muddy edge and surrounded by reeds.

Twitched a Black Stork here on the way to Akrotiri on the morning of the 26th, and returned the following day to take in the evening Cattle Egret roost. On the latter visit the Black Stork remained and 378 Cattle Egrets roosted by dusk. All 3 Egret species seen plus Grey Heron, Night Heron, many Mallard and Teal, Greater Flamingo (36) and Black-winged Stilt (29). Other waders noted included Ringed Plover (10+), Ruff (5), Wood Sandpiper (4), Dunlin (3) and Little Stint (2). 3 Whiskered Terns fished the area by the road and Kingfisher seen.

Other Wildlife

• Mammals - a Fox seen near Larnaca.

• Butterflies – several Swallowtails and a Painted Lady.

• Odonata – Lesser Emperor, Scarlet Darter and Slender Skimmer.

• Lizards - Cyprus Rock Agama.

Nice to see familiar faces and meet new ones and many thanks to all who helped me in the field and online. Please find a selection of photographs below plus a link to a birding video compilation, and to comparisons with visits in 2023 and 2024.

 

Honey Buzzard

Honey Buzzard

Bonelli's Eagle

Bonelli's Eagle

Booted Eagle

Lesser Spotted Eagle

Short-toed Eagle

Black Kite

Black-winged Kite

Montagu's Harrier

Egyptian Vulture

Osprey

Eleonora's Falcon

Red-footed Falcon

Peregrine

Bee-eater

Black Stork

Black-necked Grebe

Slender Skimmer

White-throated Kingfisher

Please click here for a birding video compilation of some of the raptors seen in Cyprus in September 2025 (YouTube).

Please click on the links for comparisons with raptors seen in Cyprus in 2023 and 2024.

Birding September 2025 - Caspian Gull v Yellow-legged Gull - South Yorkshire and London

Larid Match Day 1

Caspian Gull* 2-1 Yellow-legged Gull (HT: 1-1)

P:OSR *                       unringed

P:A2N

Venue: River Don, Effingham Street, Sheffield 

Date: 01 September 2025

Att: 2

* VAR check in progress

P:OSR

On the Wards roof then flew onto the rocks in the river joining Lesser Black-backed and Black-headed Gulls, before relocating after a drenching onto the nearby weir where the rain showers continued.

I believe it is within variation, if such thing is allowed, for Caspian Gull. Slight differences with P:A2N,  I’ll let the reader judge those from the accompanying photos. But, to note that it was ringed as a chick in a Herring Gull Group colony in north-west Poland (Szczecin) May 2025, and therefore assumed not assigned to species at that time.

P:A2N

On relocating to the weir to have a look at P:OSR, this gull also present on the weir. It later flew to the rocks mentioned above.

I would describe as a ‘Classic’ Caspian Gull, moulting into 1st Winter plumage. It was ringed as a chick in a Caspian Gull colony in central Poland (Wincentowo) May 2025. 

Unringed Yellow-legged Gull 

Possibly the same individual as seen earlier at Norfolk Bridge where it took great delight in grabbing the wings of juvenile Lesser Black-backed Gulls that got too close, or were simply minding their own business! Photos from both sites shown below. Seen alongside P:OSR and P:A2N.

P:OSR

P:A2N

Unringed Yellow-legged Gull 

Larid Match Day 2

Caspian Gull 1-1 Yellow-legged Gull (HT: 0-1)

Venue: Old Moor RSPB, Barnsley, South Yorkshire

Date: 04 September 2025

Att: 2

Studying the gulls on the eastern side of the Mere with GL and about 50 birds, most Lesser Black-backed Gulls with several Herring Gulls and a lone adult Great Black-backed Gull. Attention turned to picking out an ‘intermedius’ Lesser Black-backed Gull or two. Watching a slender dark-backed candidate ‘intermedius’ that was swimming away from the island and all of a sudden a grey-backed gull appeared alongside with yellow legs, the tops of which could be seen as it swam. A moulting adult Yellow-legged Gull, head already assumed winter dress, but the primaries not yet in full fettle. It moved to the island and allowed good comparison with its Larid friends. 

On returning to the Wader Scrape Hide after a visit to the nearby Wath Ings Hide a scan of the gulls roosting on the island produced the usual Lesser Black-backed and Herring Gulls, when all of a sudden an adult Caspian Gull rose from its slumber and popped its head up from behind a Herring Gull. A striking individual whose head profile stood out like a sore thumb, and though in wing moult, the long white underside of P10 could be seen. Sadly it decided to take off shortly afterwards before allowing photos to be taken, and headed off towards and over Broomhill Flash/Wombwell Ings continuing in the direction of Barnsley.  

Larid Match Day 3

Caspian Gull 1-3 Yellow-legged Gull (HT: 0-2)

Venue: Thamesmead, London

Date: 13 September 2025

Att: 2

Been a quiet summer for me picking out gulls on the Thames. Whilst 2nd summer and older Yellow-legged Gulls have been fairly frequent, perhaps due to them being easier to pick out then younger gulls of this species, it does seem that not many juvenile Yellow-legged Gulls have been present on this part of the Thames this summer in comparison to previous years.

Two 1st winter Yellow-legged Gulls joined the gull melee late this Saturday afternoon. A smart 2nd winter Caspian Gull was then picked out with a a similar aged Yellow-legged Gull noted soon after.

Caspian Gull (2nd Winter below)

Yellow-legged Gull (1st Winter and 2nd Winter below)

In noting the above I would like to thank Polish Bird Ringing Scheme and Andy D for help with the Sheffield Gulls, GL for putting up with my gull ramblings at Old Moor RSPB and Rich B for picking out the Thamesmead individuals.

Please click here for a video compilation of some of the above on YouTube.