Blast From The Past Finds - Bonaparte's Gull
Bonaparte's Gull is a species whose fortunes have changed dramatically over the years. Recurring birds and mobile birds make it difficult to get an accurate read out on their status, but it would seem they approach the level of Ring-Billed Gull if not surpass it in some years. I was lucky enough to tick this species on my home patch in Dublin, at Swords estuary, where a first winter spent a couple of days. It certainly imprinted on me that first winter plumage was the more attractive option. Bonaparte's Gull - first winter - not the Swords bird, instead an individual from Tacumshin, Co. Wexford. March 6th, 2006, Cuskinny, Cork My first self found bird came off the back of a spectacular weekend of birding. On the 5th I headed north out of Cork city bound for Kilcolman reserve. A Tundra Bean Goose, at the the time the first for Cork, had been seen just outside the reserve and with other potential birding to be had in the area I figured that was as good an area to work as any. I s...
