Another returning Latvian

Last month, we reported the return of an over-wintering Latvian Black-headed Gull to Kinnego Marina. We caught the bird and added a colour-ring in October 2014 and it was subsequently recorded in Latvia in April 2015 and April 2016 (see here).

This was one of two birds we have had turn up at Riga. The other, ringed as an adult male at Antrim in February 2014, was also recorded in April 2015 (see here) and was seen back at Antrim last year where it spent the winter.

2AFD at Riga, Latvia in April 2015
Photo by Richard Bosner

We have been waiting to see if 2AFD would return to Antrim again this year and last week, as predicted, Gary recorded the bird during his weekly visit.

2AFD at Antrim, November 2016
Photo by Gary Platt

This once again illustrates how faithful these birds are to their wintering sites and how predictable they can become.

Now that it is turning a bit colder, we must find the time to get out and try catch a few wintering birds. Who knows, we might get a few more turning up at Riga!