Marvellous Meds

In my humble opinion, there aren't many better birds than adult Mediterranean Gulls in full breeding regalia. Since mid-March, at least three adults (at least one pair and a lone individual, seemingly paired with a Black-headed Gull) have been seen around the Deepings area. I came across a pair today, showing extremely well on my old patch. Clearly they still haven't settled down to breed, but their courtship and vocalisations certainly suggested they were thinking about it.

Both were still present late this evening, again performing well for the camera. It became apparent when I reviewed pics that one of the birds has a metal ring on its right leg; it'd be fascinating to know where it's from. A female Ruff was also at BLGP evening, for its second day. Yesterday a very smart Wood Sandpiper was present, something of a surprise under the unbroken blue skies. Spring migrants are arriving in force and the whole site seems so verdant. It was great to hear three singing Cuckoos as well as Lesser Whitethroat and Cetti's Warbler among the warblers.