January 2020 Surprise sighting!

January 12th

I have been sick for the past 2 weeks, but I am on the mend and hope tomorrow will be my last day.  I have missed so much at this fantastic time of year, but my emails haven't slowed down.  On January 12th I got emailed a surprise sighting with photo!  

On January 7th 2018 I caught 3 Black-headed Gulls.  1 was already ringed!  The others became 2ACA and 2ACB.  

2ACB only showed once more in Sean Walsh Park on January 12th 2018.

In June 2018 it was observed nesting at North Ronaldsay Bird Observatory Orkney Scotland, and then nothing

However, David who regularly also check Sean Walsh Park for rings was very surprised to see it and luckily photographed it!  It tells me the Gulls are starting to move!

Photo by David.  2ACB returns

January 2nd

I got out for a walk along the Dodder and what a great walk!  The first Darvic spotted was on a Black-headed Gull.  Although I have not yet got a reply to my sighting, it is a German ring.

Black-headed Gull from Germany

I also recorded one of our Great Black-backed Gulls 312:D.  Now in it's 4th Calendar Year, looking more and more like an adult, although another year probably before it breeds.

Right beside the Great Black-backed Gull was a Herring Gull from Irelands Eye.

Herring Gull 759:D