Bird News Tuesday 27th December

A Grey Phalarope was seen today along the Seacliff Road in Bangor, down to a range of 5 metres. Sighting and picture by John McClean.

The Bonaparte's Gull and a 2nd w Med Gull were at Black Arch, Drains Bay, Co. Antrim (Neal Warnock)
The male Smew was at Portmore Lough and 2 Pink-footed Geese in the fields north of there (Jeff Larkin).
The second winter Ring-billed Gull was at Groomsport and a female Brambling in a garden in Ballyholme. (George Gordon)

13 Purple Sandpiper were in Newcastle Harbour (Ian Jackson)

Purple Sandpiper - Ian Jackson

Many thanks to all for the recent photographs of scarce and common birds. We have added a number to our 'Recent Photographs' page (you can click on this page by selecting it from the menu bar). Please send contributions to nibirds@live.co.uk