Ross's Gull - Marton Mere, Blackpool, Lancs - 31st March 2008.

The day started with a 4+ hour search at Jackhouse Reservoir, Oswaldtwistle, for the reported Little Bunting of the previous day. No sign unfortunately, 4 Reed Bunting, a female Brambling and a pair of Bullfinch the highlights.

A return home for a bite to eat early PM was rudely interrupted by news of an adult Ross's Gull at Marton Mere, Blackpool. The bird, sporting a pink flush underneath, showed very well from the southern side of the Mere until c17:10 when it disappeared as mythically as it had arrived, much to the chagrin of those arriving after work!

Above: Adult Ross's Gull - Marton Mere, Lancs - 31st March 2008. A strong candidate for county bird of the year already!

Above: Ads Yellow-legged Gull - Marton Mere, Lancs - 31st March 2008. This bird was seen down to the bright red ortbital ring briefly as it bathed frantically at the western end of the Mere mid-pm. The quality of the videograbs don't do the bird justice.

Below: Ads Med Gull. One of a stunning pair that came into bathe on a couple of occasions. Unfortunately the height of the Phragmites hampered views.

My first Willow Warbler of the year was singing in trees along the southern side. The day ended on a potentially costly note with the apparent death of my DSLR (hence no flight shots of the Ross's Gull) and the loss of one half of a pair of £30 gloves at the site. Damn!