Ringed-billed Gull, Tralee

Adult Ringed-billed Gull, Tralee, 23rd December 2016 (D.Farrar).

Kumlien's still in Tralee

Second winter Kumlien's Gull, Tralee, 23rd December 2016 (D. O'Connor).

Second winter Kumlien's Gull, Tralee, 23rd December 2016 (D. O'Connor).

Kumlien's Gull

Kumlien's Gull, Tralee, 20th December 2016 (D.Farrar).

More of the Twite at Black Rock

Twite, Black Rock, 16th December 2016 (David O'Connor).

One of up to 16 present, and the largest flock in Kerry in many years.

Twite, Black Rock, 16th December 2016 (David O'Connor).

A rare glimpse of the diagnostic pink rump, often touted in the field guides as a good identifier, but very hard to see in the field. Go with the yellow bill and buff-suffused face and upper breast, as well as the distinctive calls.

Black Redstart, Reenard Pier

Black Redstart, Reenard, 14th December 2016 (D.Farrar).

Another Little Gull at Rough Pt.

Gull flock, Rough Point, 13th December 2016 (M.O'Clery).

Once again, several thousand gulls were feeding on the washed-up seaweed around Rough Point.

First-winter Little Gull, Rough Point, 13th December 2016 (M.O'Clery).

First-winter Little Gull, Rough Point, 13th December 2016 (M.O'Clery).

A different individual to the first-winter at this exact spot just over a month ago (see this post HERE), with today's bird showing, among other features, a much more extensive dark cap.

First-winter Little Gull, Rough Point, 13th December 2016 (M.O'Clery).

First-winter Little Gull, Rough Point, 13th December 2016 (M.O'Clery).

Twite, Black Rock

Twite,Black Rock, 13th December 2016 (D.Farrar).

Black-necked Grebe and Chiffchaffs, Ballinskelligs

Black-necked Grebe, Reen Pier, Ballinskelligs Bay, 10th December 2016 (Pat McDaid).

Quite likely a returning bird, as one spent much of last winter at this spot.

Black-necked Grebe, Reen Pier, Ballinskelligs Bay, 10th December 2016 (Pat McDaid).

Chiffchaff, Ballinskelligs, 10th December 2016 (Pat McDaid).

One of 2-3 present

Chiffchaff, Ballinskelligs, 10th December 2016 (Pat McDaid).

Purple Sandpiper, Ballinskelligs, 10th December 2016 (Pat McDaid).

Scarce anywhere in Kerry away from the Magharees peninsula.

Buzzard and Continental Cormorant, Tralee

First calendar year Buzzard, Tralee, 1st December 2016 (M.O'Clery).

This approachable bird has been present in hedgerow close to an industrial estate on the outskirts of Tralee for two weeks now. It is actively hunting by perching on low bushes, gates and trees and dropping down to the ground and seems to be mainly after rats, though there are also plenty of rabbits in the area.

Buzzard, Tralee, 1st December 2016 (M.O'Clery).

Buzzard, Tralee, 1st December 2016 (M.O'Clery).

It can be aged as a first year on a number of features, such as the uniform age of the wing feathers (i.e., no moult 'gaps'), and the pale tips to some coverts, as well as the finely barred tail tip (darker band at the tip on adults), and on a face-on view, the more vertical streaking on the breast (more horizontal barring on adults).

Buzzard and Hooded Crow, Tralee, 1st December 2016 (M.O'Clery).

'Continental' Cormorant, Blernnerville, 1st December 2016 (M.O'Clery).

Looks to be the same individual as seen on 12th October 2016 at the same spot - see post HERE.