9 October 2021 - Hollingworth Lake

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Yellow-legged Gull, Stock Dove, Kestrel

Arrived at the Rowing Club car park this morning in calm but overcast conditions and was surprised to see what appeared to be a Stock Dove on the shoreline. Normally there are a few feral pigeons about so I wasn't sure at first, but felt it looked good.  As I got my camera ready however, some dipstick came charging down the slipway with a dog and everything flew, including the Stock Dove, which in flight was readily identifiable. It flew around once then quickly away towards the Wine Press, and I managed just some very poor flight shots.  A few Common Gulls were around including a nice 1st year bird.

Viewing from the old Sea Cadet's hut, the Yellow-legged Gull was again present, and showed quite well for a little while before settling down inside one of the boats and largely out of view, but a few diagnostic features could be seen including a broad black band on P5 (and yellow legs!).

A female kestrel sat in a tree just at the top of  Bib Knowl valley.

Common Gull, 1/1000 sec at F4.0, ISO 640, 200mm

Yellow-legged Gull showing broad black band on P5

Yellow-legged Gull at rest

Kestrel