Blenheim Bonaparte’s

Bonaparte’s Gulls don’t create the stir they once did. The bird at Farmoor in mid-May 2000 was a major event. Since then there have been another four, all in spring, with birds being found on 18th April 2006; 1st May 2007; 11th April 2009; 8th April 2017. The bird found yesterday by Nic Hallam (who has found most of the county records) is the 6th for the county, by my reckoning. 

I had two children in tow when I arrived at Blenheim Palace this afternoon. Badger and two other birders were already watching it dip-feed at the back of the main lake. It was distant and the light was terrible. The Bonaparte’s Gull could be picked out from the many Black-headed Gulls just because it looked so clean and bright, an impression created by the pale inner primaries on the underwing. 

I  needed to tempt it closer. Feeling determined, I took my children up back into the main house and into the cafe. I didn’t buy them anything, but instead found myself wondering what the Bonaparte’s Gull would prefer: scones or sausage rolls? Despite the fact my wife does not eat pork and that a well known vegan Oxonbirder was looking after my ‘scope by the lakeside, I went for the meat. It worked a treat.

Black-headed Gulls noticed me tossing food into the air and came over to investigate. The Bonaparte’s came with them. It’s dark head – not really black, but darker than the accompanying Black-headed Gulls – was not quite complete: 

The leg colour was visible at quite some distance:

I even had the satisfaction of seeing the Bonaparte’s Gull, take a piece of my sausage roll:

Although this made it a target for other gulls…

…causing the Bonaparte’s Gull to react furiously:

Within a couple of minutes the food was gone and all the gulls returned to patrolling the far side of the lake. I took my children back to the cafe, to reward them for their patience, and we spent the rest of the afternoon enjoying the sunshine at Blenheim. Easy birding.