Waldo & Franky in Hampshire

Waldo the returning Ring Billed Gull.

On the   9th November my destination was Blashford lake for another look at the Franklin's Gull which has been coming into roost there , however first i went via Gosport for the  returning Ring Billed Gull which has been given the nickname of  " Waldo " , this is the 13th winter it has returned to this area , heaven knows where it goes in the summer ??

Waldo.

Flying off with his prize.

Small " mirrors  on primaries.

Coming into land.

From here i headed off to Ibsley lake , Blashford and duly found a decent place in the hide to view the gulls when they come into roost , this bird is still drawing in the birders as it didn't take long for the hide to fill up , whilst i waited i had plenty to keep me occupied , 2 Black Necked Grebes , male and female Goldeneye , Kingfisher , Yellow Legged Gull plus several Egyptian Geese.

Four Egyptian Geese.

And at 4.22 pm exactly the Franklin's Gull was picked out right at the back of the gull roost , the light wasn't to bad and it was on view for a good 15 mins until the light faded quite rapidly , the gulls all took flight and the Franklin's was lost to view .

Franklin's Gull. 

Smart looking gull.

Great days birding with a couple a year ticks as a bonus.