Cape Gull at Grafham Water, Cambridgeshire, 8th August 2022.

News broke on Sunday that a Cape Gull had been found by Richard Patient at Grafham Water. Cape Gull is a subspecies of Kelp Gull and this bird was a first for the UK. It is one of those birds that has been expected as it has steadily expanded its range northwards from South Africa. So an early start was planned for Monday and by the time I arrived there must have been at least 100 birders present, with many more to follow later. It was fairly to locate by the tower off the dam, just by the number of people gathered there. First shots were of it loafing in the water.

It then decided to take off allowing a few flight shots.

It came in briefly to the shore allowing a closer view.

However, its favourite spot was certainly the railings on the walkway out to the water tower where it spent a lot of time.

At certain times it formed part of a Gull ID parade, clearly showing the size difference. In the next two shots I believe that's a 3rd CY Caspian Gull to the left of it.

A great bird even though I know not everyone warms to Gulls! A number of Yellow-legged Gulls were also present.

And of course, Lesser Black-backed Gulls

One or two Common Terns were present also.

This one was blocking my view of the Cape Gull!

On the Wader front I only managed one Redshank.

And foraging along the shore were both Pied and Yellow Wagtails.

A truly memorable morning!