A Gull too far

Sunday 20th February 2011

Report of a probable American Herring Gull at Hoylake was met with an almost contemptuous indiffrerence. Having gone for a couple previously at Chew valley and Dorset I wanted a bit more than probable. Initially my attitude didnt change when John Terry asked me if I wanted to go up, but with additional info from the Bird forum I decided it was worth a try, even if it was a long shot.
We got there in just 2 hours to find the highest tide of the year according to the locals.There was no beach at High tide but the gulls were best viewed on the ebbing tide so we had plenty of time. As the tide began to ebb and more sand was exposed the gulls came in together with small flocks of various waders. Thousands of Gulls began to cover the shore line and the search began. There were very few birders about which could have told us something but a slim chance is better than no chance. Which is what you get sitting at home playing on your computer. Anyway there was no sign of the probable AHG. We did have a pleasant if cold couple of hours though looking at 2 adult Med gulls, Peregrine and flocks of Knot, Dunlin, Grey Plover, Oystercatcher, Curlew, Shelduck and Bar tailed Godwit.
After connecting with the Slaty backed the AHG was a gull too far.