Ring-billed Gull - Farmoor - 2nd April.

A first summer Ring-billed Gull was in the Farmoor roost this evening. First seen quite close in to the southern shore of F.2 at about 18.10, it then almost immediately flew to the centre of the reservoir. It was then watched briefly, but very well, from the causeway in company with an adult Common Gull but was then flushed by sailing boats. The gull roost was then heavily disturbed by boats and despite searching by a number of birders it was not relocated in amongst the increasing throng of birds. A stunning first summer Caspian Gull was a bonus.

None of your 'pin sharp' bird photography here I'm afraid. These record shots do however show some of the species ID pointers: notably the obviously stout, dark-tipped bill, pale 'window' in the primaries with diamond shaped dark tips. Perhaps most importantly the diffuse dark tail band can just be made out, this was a very striking and clinching feature of the bird together with the very pallid mantle.

This is the second Ring-billed Gull for Farmoor and the third for Oxon.