Despite the cold northerly the sunnier forecast this afternoon got us out, and we decided to walk over to Monk Haven and back from the Gann. First interesting bird was at the Gann, where a smaller Cormorant, that we had seen briefly the past 2 days, finally gave itself up and revealed itself to be of the sinensis race - the first we have ever properly recorded in Pembrokeshire. It was a distinctly smaller bird than the carbo raced birds alongside:
A single Great Northern Diver was off Musselwick Point, and at Monk Haven at least 6 Chiffchaff, 5 using the filter beds at the sewage works, and another (paler) bird in the car park.
Back at the Gann 3 Black-tailed Godwit were a surprise, but it was the gathering of small gulls pre-roost that stole the show. A white-ringed 1CY Common Gull from Norway had travelled at least 1,346km to get here. A minimum of 79 Mediterranean Gull (63 adults, 8 2CY, 8 1CY) and probably over 100. Managed to pick out and read 4 colour-rings in the fading light: a yellow one from Germany/Sweden, previously seen red from Poland and white from Belgium, and a new red from Serbia - a first for me. Can you pick out the white and red ringed birds in these photos?
Lisa & I would like to wish everyone who reads and contributes to the blog a peaceful and relaxing Christmas.