RSPB Sandwell Valley- Water Rail x1 (a second heard behind the hide), Goosander x3, Gadwall 5+, Teal 5+, Snipe 5+, Grey Heron x2, Little Grebe x1, Great crested Grebe x3, Canada Goose 10+, Lapwing 10+, Lesser Black backed Gull x1, Black headed Gull 50+, Starling 5+, Crow 5+, Buzzard x1, Tufted Duck 10+, Mallard 5+, Mute Swan x1, Shoveler x2, Kingfisher x1, Goldfinch 10+, Jay x1, Redwing x1.
Whilst on a quick walk outside the back of the hide Bob mentioned he had heard the loud call of a Water Rail reeds behind the hide which is an area I don't believe they have been spotted before, hearing is as good as spotting so it is good news we now basically know for sure that there are more Water Rail around different areas of the reserve. The one that appeared from the hide was a few feet to the left of number 2 post and is likely to be the same bird we saw a couple of weeks ago see as it was in a similar area, however this isn't always true other birders had explained to me they had 4 individuals in one particular area at one time, meaning there could still be more than we think in the reads opposite the hide.
Now moving on to a bit of gull confusion. I consider my knowledge of rare Gulls that come into Britain resonable but not excellent in my opinion in the gull area I still have a lot more to learn, which is expectable as I am still a young birder, I can identify species such as Glaucous and Iceland at resonable ease and let's not forget Med Gull which I consider one of the main gull species that is considered rare that I can identify. I do however struggle with a few of the species of Gull you may have heard about, I understand all their main features and could easily spot them but in this aspect it's all down to my experience in the field with these two species.
The two birds in question are Yellow legged and Caspian Gull, with yellow legged I find my self waiting for the bird to lift up its legs before I can know for sure which can often be a very long wait when the birds are on water. The bird. I actually believe I have seen today is a Caspian Gull (first winter) I have seen adult birds and could spot those quite easily it's the juvenille birds I struggle with. One bird at Barltey Green Reservoir today caught my eye and looked very similar to a adult first winter form of a Caspian Gull, I took a terrible picture through my scope using my phone, the bird had its head tucked in to when I was photographing it and after that I has to leave, so this shots the best I got,
The bird in question is the left hand bird that is just behind the front Lesser Black backed Gull in the photo, drop a comment on what you think on this one I'd like to hear other peoples opinions, I have to admit this year and early next year will be a chance for me to really nuckle down on my Gulls and try to see all the ones I need to and looking at them in detail to understand more about the species. Here's the main sightings from the visit to the res,
Bartley Green Reservoir- poss Caspian Gull x1??, Lesser Black backed gull 50+, Herring Gull 50+, Black headed Gull 100+, Grey Heron x1, Great crested Grebe x1, Tufted Duck x2.
So take a look at the pic and see what you think all opinions welcome. Next week we were discussing going for the Glossy Ibis in worcs if the bird is still there other wise we could be birding anywhere. There will be a post next week either way so look out for that one.
Thanks form reading have a good week all- WMBB
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