No sign of The Smiths

Did Hes East early morning on the rumour of a Red-necked Grebe, but sadly it wasn't present. Consolation was provided by two very showy and noisy Grey Partridges, two Water Rails and 42 Pochards.

Tim, Chris and Jack had seen a great candidate for an American Herring Gull at Rufforth the other day, so come Saturday, quite a few birders from outside York were mooching around looking for the gulls. I met up with Rich and Dan and had a look round the area, which revealed a second winter Iceland Gull on the sheep fields, plus a Green Sandpiper. A Peregrine was buzzing about and put an end to the day's play as the gulls got a bit spooked and wouldn't settle again. This big pale immature Argentatus Herring Gull was on the field by the roundabout, showing how variable they can be:

 East to Wheldrake Ings, where at least four Barn Owls were flying around and the second winter Iceland Gull paused on the refuge for a bit to have a bath and a drink. Stacks of other birds around including 30 Ruff, 6 Pochards and a Peregrine.