North East Birder Ramlings: Left Wing, Right Wing, No White Wing

Sadly the title sums up my gull spotting at Rainton Meadows DWT this afternoon. No sign of the Iceland Gull or the Yellow-legged Gull, their will be others this winter I hope. Hopefully I will also see them! It was great to see the two Bitterns together in the same scope view as well as see them in flight, out in the open, climbing in and about the reedbed, etc.

As usual it was great to catch up with Mark N, Pablo Hugelist, Ian Liddle, mILLYg, John Gardiner, Colin, Mickey, etc. That’s right; half of Durham’s birders were down at Rainton Meadows today. Also a pleasure to meet ex BB Chairman Colin Bradshaw, superb hour and half’s birding.

However what was particularly interesting were the Bitterns, at about 3:30 myself and Colin Bradshaw began to see some interesting behavior. One Bittern came out and flew over to pool 1 at Rainton Meadows. Then about 10 minutes later the other Bittern emerged from the reedbed and then walked into another section of the reedbed where it could still be seen. Then from behind it another Bittern emerged. Shortly after this one of the Bitterns chased the other and it flew over to pool 1 again, then a few minutes later the other also flew over to pool 1. No doubt they are doing this to feed on pool 1 overnight due to the fact Bitterns are quite nocturnal feeders. However what is interesting was the first time a Bittern flew off to pool 1 we are pretty certain it didn't come back. Colin suggested it might have walked back over but when I explained there was a fence there it did make me wonder if there are actually 3 Bitterns at Rainton Meadows. I would say there are only 2 Bitterns but we almost defiantly would have seen if the other bittern came back. I just couldn't see how we could have missed it coming back in; sly Bittern might just be the answer.

(click on any image to enlarge)

(Bittern - Rainton Meadows DWT - © Mark Newsome)

(2 Bitterns - Rainton Meadows DWT - © Mark Newsome)

Now to end on some gulls. Below are some interesting gull images showing a colour ringed Herring Gull, Great Black Backed Gull, and a Scandinavian Herring Gull (larus argentatus). Enjoy!