Viking Gull

Below are poor photos of the Viking Gull from Rossaveel in Galway on Saturday 19th February 2011.  A Viking Gull is a cross or hybrid between a Herring Gull Larus Argentatus and a Glaucous Gull Larus hyperborealis.  It resembles the much rarer Thayer's Gull, but this bird in Galway in comparision to the Herring Gull standing next to it looks bulkier, larger and longer in appearance counting out Thayer's which is more compact and Iceland like in shape and structure.

Common Seal

Had to lead an outing today to Nimmo's Pier in Galway.  Ended up at Rosaveel in search of Gulls.  Managed to see the hybrid Thayer's type gull (Viking Gull), along with one Glaucous Gull, one Iceland Gull, a Black-throated Diver and one Little Gull at Spiddal on the way home. When searching for the gulls in Rosaveel about eight Common Seals were in the harbour, all were very curious, see below.