Lower Cuckmere 19/2/15

A walk down the Cuckmere late morning was had with only one main focus.......Gulls. There was a large assemblage of large Gulls in the usual spot. The first few scans produced nothing, until out of nowhere a large white-winged Gull flew across my view. It was indeed a juvenile Glaucous Gull but it stayed less than a minute before taking off and gradually drifting eastwards.

Soon after I found a superb first-winter Caspian Gull, and for once it was in front of the main group, in full view and in perfect light conditions. However, my stupid phone died for no apparent reason, and annoyingly I couldn't get it going again, despite me throwing it at the ground in anger a couple of times. So below should be a set of full frame Caspian Gull shots, but unfortunately the Glauc is all I could capture. Other then all this and the very short staying Glauc, a very productive visit.

Totals are:
Glaucous Gull - 1 juv 11.36-11.43 then flew east
Caspian Gull - 1 first-winter for half hour before flying SW
Yellow-legged Gull - 1 adult
Barnacle Geese - 5 still
Gadwall - 2 along main dyke

juv. Glaucous Gull in the Lower Cuckmere - unfortunately all pretty much the same pose and same quality........rubbish. Taken with iphone (when working) through the scope in blustery conditions. A shame it wasn't a few inches to the right.