Bird News Saturday 28th December

The Water Pipit was still present at the north end of Cushendun beach, a Glaucous Gull was also seen. (Richard Hunter/Neal Warnock).

Yesterday a male Smew was at Ballycarry in Larne Lough. (Colin & Tony Waide).

Fifteen Crossbills were in Woodburn Forest, Carrickfergus this afternoon. (George & Oliver Stewart/Gerard McGeehan & Shirley Dunlop).

A single Great Northern Diver was at the entrance to Ardglass harbour, see picture below. (Michael Latham).

There was 75+ Whooper Swans in fields between Newtownards and Comber with at least 16 in fields near Island Hill. (David McCormick).

The juvenile Glaucous Gull was still on Rathlin. (Ric Else & Hazel Watson).

The Waxwing flock was seen in flight over the Westlink this afternoon. (Jeff Higgott).

The Spoonbill was at Anne’s Point and 16 Sandwich Tern and 3 Gannet were at Portaferry. (Richard Weyl).

A Gannet and a Long-tailed Duck were off Fisherman’s Pier, Carrickfergus; two Long-tailed Ducks were off Loughshore Park, Belfast Lough; two (only) Waxwings were in Barrack Street, Lower Divis c.1.30pm (Chris Murphy)

Thanks to Michael Latham for the picture of the Great Northern Diver and to Neal Warnock for the pictures of the Water Pipit and the Glaucous Gull: