Same over here, we used to expect them in every gull flock. I found one on my school pitch in 02, and a returning bird by my old house in Dublin from 2011, but I am struggling to see them annually these days. I think my high count was 8 in April 2004!

There is still something 'odd' about their profile from looking at photographs, I would hope that it would be enough to get me to give one a much closer look.

Thanks, I'm always on the look out for them! I think the head/bill shape is distinctive enough to get alarm bells ringing even at a distance, some day! David Sibley had a good post about this a few years ago that is worth a look if you have not seen before www.sibleyguides.com/2011/07/dist...

Thanks Ed.

Cracking shots Sean, a stunning bird.

Thank you very much Toby for your kind words.

Thank you very much Holly.

Thank you very much Ed, a real treat for us in the north West!

Thank you very much Steph, I really appreciate your kind words.

Thank you very much Steph. I was really lucky with the Swainson's especially showing so well, and being the perfect subject!

Thank you so much Harry, I really appreciate the kind words.

Thank you very much Harry, I have had this sketch for a few weeks now, and a painting idea that I just need a little more time to get around to!

Probably a bit of both. Historically, most birders that did do the north-west would do it in September, and would then go south-west in October. Donegal in horribly underwatched, even by Irish standards!