Adult Ring-billed Gull, Carrahane, 24th March 2017 (David O'Connor).
Possibly a returning bird, as one has appeared here in spring in each of the last 4-5 years.
Iceland Gull, Black Rock, 28th March 2017 (David O'Connor).
psammodromus Ringed Plover, Black Rock, 28th March 2017 (David O'Connor).
There are three sub-species of Ringed Plover currently recognised, and the northern, mainly Arctic-breeding sub-species psammodromus breeds in NE Canada through Greenland to Svalbard, Iceland and the Faeroes, and winters from SW Europe to W Africa. Quite a few pass through Ireland each spring and autumn, though often unnoticed. The slightly darker mantle is the main giveaway.
psammodromus Ringed Plover, Black Rock, 28th March 2017 (David O'Connor).
