Caithness Map :: Links to Site Map Paying too much for broadband? Move to PlusNet broadband and save£££s. Free setup now available - terms apply. PlusNet broadband.  
Results 1 to 8 of 8

Thread: Dead gulls on Lybster bay ?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Nov 2011
    Location
    coastal
    Posts
    33

    Default Dead gulls on Lybster bay ?

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	1328275255648.jpg 
Views:	496 
Size:	69.9 KB 
ID:	11958Click image for larger version. 

Name:	1328275264507.jpg 
Views:	450 
Size:	53.6 KB 
ID:	11959Click image for larger version. 

Name:	1328275287550.jpg 
Views:	454 
Size:	57.8 KB 
ID:	11960Click image for larger version. 

Name:	1328275303523.jpg 
Views:	451 
Size:	54.1 KB 
ID:	11961Click image for larger version. 

Name:	1328275321718.jpg 
Views:	462 
Size:	44.4 KB 
ID:	11962
    Does anyone know if this is normal for so many birds to wash up at once ?....there were ten in all and one dark brown sheep but i can only post 5 photos .
    Last edited by offcomedun; 04-Feb-12 at 13:19. Reason: explanation

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2003
    Location
    Lybster
    Posts
    679

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by offcomedun View Post
    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	1328275255648.jpg 
Views:	496 
Size:	69.9 KB 
ID:	11958Click image for larger version. 

Name:	1328275264507.jpg 
Views:	450 
Size:	53.6 KB 
ID:	11959Click image for larger version. 

Name:	1328275287550.jpg 
Views:	454 
Size:	57.8 KB 
ID:	11960Click image for larger version. 

Name:	1328275303523.jpg 
Views:	451 
Size:	54.1 KB 
ID:	11961Click image for larger version. 

Name:	1328275321718.jpg 
Views:	462 
Size:	44.4 KB 
ID:	11962
    Does anyone know if this is normal for so many birds to wash up at once ?....there were ten in all and one dark brown sheep but i can only post 5 photos .
    The birds that you have pictured are all from the Auk family. These birds have a preference for sand eels that may not be about in large numbers yet, these birds are back near the shore far earlier this year whether this is due to winds blowing them back i don't know i'm sure someone from the bird watching faternity may be better informed. I know it was reported on orkney birding that rafts of Auks were in mid Moray Firth a few weeks ago and this was of concern.

    Colin

  3. #3

    Default tidal funnel

    There are points around the coastline that act as tidal funnels ( i.e large amounts of debris get washed to one geographical area). It doesn't really answer the question conclusively, but may be a reason as to why there in one place with a sheep.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Nov 2011
    Location
    coastal
    Posts
    33

    Default

    Thanks for the replies ,it was a little bizarre to see them all washed up there in one day as we walk down most days and dont usually see any .
    We saw three otters swimming side by side as they passed the harbour looked like two adults and a young one.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2003
    Location
    Lybster
    Posts
    679

    Default

    I took a look taday offcomedum, apart from the 2 gulls and an old Guillemot the others were all first winter Auks. I also did a couple of hours sea watching at Swiney Hill and was able to see what was floating about in the area, Black Guillemots, Guillemots, Shags, Fulmars, a few Gull species. The main thing of note was they were spread over a wide area and there was no concentrated feeding. I also saw Harbour Porpoise and these were also feeding, again their movements were over a wide area. From this behaviour i'm of the opinion that there is little food out there and the inexperienced birds who have not spent years feeding at Lybster will struggle to find food. Birds that are starving will often swim closer to shore and on occasions come ashore and wait to die.
    The various bird groups will be doing beach bird counts in the near future this is an annual event to record dead birds washed ashore.

    Colin
    www.caithness-sea-watching.co.uk

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Nov 2011
    Location
    coastal
    Posts
    33

    Default

    Thanks very much for sharing your insight ,very interesting ...I think we passed you today as we walked back up the hill from the harbour.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jan 2003
    Location
    Lybster
    Posts
    679

    Default

    I remember 2 people well dressed for the outdoors.
    I was wearing Brown beanie large pack and brolly, the latter i certainly needed.

    Colin

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Nov 2011
    Location
    coastal
    Posts
    33

    Default

    Aye that would be the misses and myself...we're from sunny Bradford.

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •