Images of 'White-winged' Gulls in East Lancs.

Winter 2002/2003.

by Bill Aspin.

(also with images by Tony Disley, John Wright and Margaret Breaks).

During Jan-Feb 2003, Whinney Hill Tip/Fishmoor Reservoir, Lancashire, UK, played host to the highest concentration of 'white-wingers' than perhaps any other site in England. Both species of large white winged Gull were ever present for virtually the full two months, including a day maximum of 5 (2x Glaucous, 3x Iceland) birds. Below are a selection of images of birds seen during the period.

More text will be added shortly.

Glaucous and Iceland Gulls.

Mediterranean Gull.

The first winter bird was ever present in the Fishmoor roost, from mid-November-mid-March. On some days, the bird hardly ever left the reservoir and would readily come to bread at the northern end of the res. The adult on 15.01. appeared for two evenings only. The third bird, at Whinney hill, was present for three days in February and bore a green darvic ring. Unfortunately, the code was never obtained, but from the colour, it seems probable that it is of French origin.

Click here to view a more Gulls seen in East Lancs.