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Saturday 9 September 2017

Lesser Yellowlegs and Sabine's Gull



Lesser Yellowlegs, Cappagh Beach, 9th September 2017 (Ian Jones).

A great find by Ian Jones today (though strictly speaking, it was his mum that pointed it out initially), on a beach that rarely warrants much attention from birders. The most you can expect there normally is very distant views of scoter in the winter and occasional distant views of skuas in the autumn. 

Lesser Yellowlegs, Cappagh Beach, 9th September 2017 (Ian Jones).

Lesser Yellowlegs, Cappagh Beach, 9th September 2017 (Ian Jones).

Cappagh Beach, 9th September 2017.

The small rainwater rivulet on Cappagh Beach where the Yellowlegs chose to visit. Not only the first rarity to be found on this beach but one of the few actual birds to ever have landed on it.

Sabine's Gull, Brandon Pier, 9th September 2017 (Ian Jones).

Meanwhile, on another nearby beach, a juvenile Sabine's Gull made an appearance.

Sabine's Gull, Brandon Pier, 9th September 2017 (Ian Jones).

Sabine's Gull, Kilcummin, Brandon Bay, 9th September 2017 (David O'Connor).

Another (or possibly the same? Head and side-of-breast markings look very similar) Sabine's Gull was found by David O'Connor on nearby Kilcummin Beach, a few km to the east.