(Photos: Davey Farrar).
(Video: Michael O'Clery).
This gull, found and photographed at Cromane on 30th January, wasn't seen in subsequent days, though the photographs circulated on the web prompted many to consider the bird to be Ireland's first Glaucous-winged Gull. However, after the bird reappeared on the evening of 7th February, several birders made the journey to Cromane on the morning of the 8th. The bird was present and provided ample opportunity for photos, video and close scrutiny. Immediately apparent was the bird's generally 'slight' build (smaller than most Herring Gulls present) and elegant proportions, rather than the bulky and attenuated structure of a Glaucous-winged Gull. As to what it actually is? The jury is still out, though Kumlien's Gull has been suggested by several observers.
