We left the B&B at Downpatrick at 08.00 hours for the 7 mile drive to Ardglass Harbour.
On route we saw
Great White Egret
Common Buzzard
We arrived Ardglass about 08.30 hours, the tide was in, walking around the harbour area and marina all morning, the grey cloud stayed with us, it was not good for taking photos, I spent a bit of time waiting for a Black Guillemot in the Marina to come close enough for a photo, when it eventually did, it would not turn round for the pose. A Black Redstart was by the Marina gate. Birds seen for the list
Black Redstart
Black Guillemot
Brent Geese, Dark-bellied
Brent Geese, Pale-bellied
Lapwing
Golden Plover
Curlew
Redshank
Shellduck
In the harbour,
Iceland Gull, adult winter 2
Iceland Gull, 1st winter, 10
Kumlien's, 4
Glaucous Gull, 2
Common Gull
Kittiwake, several
Great Black-backed Gull
Black-headed Gull
Razorbill, 1
Shag, 1
Midday, the light is getting better, I start to take a few photos, GULLS was what this trip was all about.
Kevin called Ross's Gull, as we both stood on the far end of the harbour wall, he picked it up as it flew from our left hand view across the harbour, passing us, I was to slow to get on to it, small, fast, my fleeting glimpse was of no detail as it disappeared in the distance to our right. Very pleasing was Kevins excitement and hearing him give the detail description of what he had seen. Nice one Kev !
17.30 hours, the light goes, photos finished, '' WHAT A DAY ''.
There has been just so much activity, so much to see.
DC, it was excellent to meet you, I do enjoy 'the crac' but also to let you know, ARDGLASS, this day goes down as 'one top birding day out for me', I hope to return one day !
Into the car around 18.00 hours for a long 140 mile drive, 'who cares', back to Galway, Ireland. Arriving at the Travel Lodge, Galway around 22.00 hours.
On location for Day 4 tomorrow !
Great pics Richard. Pity about the Rooss's Gull.
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