Despite a fantastic seawatch on Brandon Point on the morning and early afternoon of 15th September, numbers of Sabine's Gulls were low enough, with around 10 seen in the five and a half hours. All the more surprising then that a half hour later, at nearby Cloghane Estuary, there were at least 45 Sabine's Gulls wheeling around the inner bay in strong westerly winds. Several flocks formed, splintered and reformed, so actual numbers were hard to figure out, but flocks of 23, 19 and 32 were seen at various times. The flocks also would occasionally rise high into the air, perhaps 300m up, an unusual behavior for a seabird which is normally seen fairly low over the open sea.
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| High-flying flock of Sabine's Gulls, Cloghane Estuary, 15th September 2025 (Michael O'CleCloghanery). |
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| Click on the image for a closer look! The sky is full of Sabine's Gulls, Cloghane Estuary, 15th September 2025 (Michael O'CleCloghanery). |
