Catching up with a Kittiwake

I was tipped off this morning by Carl that Robin Brace had found two adult Kittiwakes on the Main Pit at Collingham Pits. Being a species I've not seen in Notts before, work came to a finish a bit early so I could head up that way.

Arriving at about 1630, there was no sign of them on the Main Pit, or the Silt Lagoon. However, Mons Pool came up with the goods - a single adult Kittiwake was lurking amongst the 40 or so Black-headed Gulls present. Presumably one of the birds from Collingham this morning, but the other one must have done a bunk. I watched it on and off for the next forty minutes or so; it seemed quite unsettled, flying up and circling around several times, and frequently changing its position amongst the other gulls as the numbers of Black-heads slowly built up. 

Kittiwake at Mons Pool

Aside from the Kittiwake, a quick scan of the site revealed 11 Redshank and 2 Ringed Plovers - the site is looking good for spring wader passage, and a good bet for the first LRP of the year over the next few weeks!