Glaucs galore!

The 14^th began slowly for me, I started off by walking north past the Harbour and along Marine Drive, in that time I saw more damage to the seafront than I did birds.

North Bay from Marine Drive.

The extent of the tidal surge in North Bay was evident, so to see that both female Black Redstarts and the male Stonechat had survived was brilliant, all three of which were feeding actively in the usual spot, the sea defence rocks opposite Oasis café.

Black Redstart and Stonechat.

Stonechat.

Stonechat and the Sands.

Rock Pipit.

From there I headed north to Scalby Mills, immediately locating a 1^st winter Iceland Gull – a perfect start.
Unfortunately, due to the wisdom of a certain dog walker, all the Gulls were flushed as he walked right out among the rocks!
A little after Dave joined me the Iceland returned.
Soon after the action really started. I picked up a 1^st winter Glaucous Gull coming in from the east, it landed on the sea briefly before flying off north east out past Scalby Nab.
A small crowd soon assembled and shortly after another Glaucous Gull was picked up, towering high circling round a little before heading off north after a short drift south.
Only minutes later what turned out to be another Glaucous Gull came round Marine Drive and flew north through the Mills!
Not too surprising considering three had flown north past Cornelian Bay in a little over and hour at the same sort of time.

Phonescoped record of the Iceland Gull.

Glaucous Gull.

Glaucous Gull.

A short while later, whilst eating at the Oasis café, after second helpings of the male Stonechat, a 1^st winter Glaucous Gull flew south over our heads, seemingly with some rather different plumage features to the others seen previously.
With the day already going brilliantly (even better with a bacon and sausage sandwich in hand) another Glaucous Gull buzzed over, this time an adult!
Unfortunately it was a little high as it headed north towards Scalby Mills, later being seen passing there and Jackson’s Bay.

Glaucous Gull.

Adult Glaucous Gull.

Fairly gob smacked, I along with Dave headed round to South Bay – the long way round as the Marine Drive was still closed due to the clean-up operation.
Once at the Harbour the two Great Northern Diver were soon located, at least seven Cormorant and five Shag were sheltering in the Harbour too.
In the outer Harbour both Black-necked Grebe were showing while in South Bay a single female Common Scoter was the pick of a small bunch.
Five Purple Sandpiper were already in along east pier despite high tide being 4 hours away, it really was rough!

Great Northern Divers in the Harbour.

Shag - FCZ ringed as pullus on Isle of May on 6th June 2016.

A short sea watch here produced a couple of Red-throated Diver north as well as, yes, another Glaucous Gull!
This time an age day tick, a 2^nd winter bird.
With a day total of six Glaucous and one Iceland, as well as a nice supporting cast, I returned home incredibly happy, and in all fairness, it’s probably hands down the best January days birding I have ever had in Scarborough, and with some great company too.