Ivory towers!

The Ivory Gull at Patrington Haven today - All photos - Rich Willison

Found late afternoon yesterday (and reported by fisherman at Easington Gas terminal previously) this is the first Yorkshire record since one at Saltburn from 31st Jan - 8th Feb 1986. Those quick-off-the-mark to add it to their list yesterday included high rankers Mick Turton, Ian Smith and Alan Whitehead.

There have only been three previous modern day Yorkshire records, the other two (in addition to the Saltburn bird) both at Hornsea Mere (1st Feb 1971 & 25th Jan 1976). Like the Patrington bird all others have been first-winters. Grateful observers to add it to their tally today included the photographer Rich Willison, Gary Dayes and Pete Wragg.