nibirds: Bird News Saturday 18th February

A bird showing the features of Lesser White Fronted Goose was at Reedy Flats, Co. Armagh this morning, see photo below. (Ed O'Hara)Directions for Reedy Flats: leave the M1 at Lurgan exit, sign posted Oxford Island, follow the signs towards Oxford Island and drive past the entrance, following the road for approx 1 mile to a T junction. Turn right and follow the road for approx 5.5 miles and turn right onto Derrycrow Road. This narrow road runs down to the lough shore at Reedy Flats, the main goose flock was spread along the shore from the point were the road meets the shore for approx 1 mile. The Derrycrow Road runs in a U coming back onto the main road, it is narrow with few parking places so please take extra care and do not inconvenience any of the local residents.
The Rough-legged Buzzard was at Anns Point at 9.20 - giving good views. The large Saker type falcon was seen mobbing a Buzzard on Chapel Island and the 4 Russian White Fronted Geese were with the Greylag flock south of Anne's Point. 2 Iceland Gulls, an adult and a 3rd winter were at Portavogie and 3 Sandwich Terns at Ballywalter. (Richard Weyl)
The adult Iceland Gull was still at Portavogie (Keith Bennett)
A Tundra Bean Goose, 3 Pinkfeet and 25 Whitefronts were with Greylags at Reedy Flats (Garry Armstrong/Ed O'Hara)
Corbally reservoir had a 1st w Kumlien's Gull, 18 iceland and 6 Glaucous Gulls (Neal Warnock)
2 Iceland Gulls, a 3rd winter and a juvenile were off the sewage outfall in Newcastle. (Birdguides).
2 Bewicks Swans were with 40 Whoopers near the bridge over the Closet from the next minor road west of Derrymacash. (Keith Bennet).
5 Iceland Gull and a Glaucous Gull were at Ardglass Harbour and 60 Whooper Swan along Bucks Head Road between Downpatrick and Seaforde. (Chris Murphy).
Thanks to Ed O'Hara, Mark Killops, Stuart McKee, David Hill and Stephen Maxwell for todays pictures.