MEDITERRANEAN GULL

Valentino - Valentines Park, Feb 2010 (Emma Charles)

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Mediterranean Gull: Winter Visitor

Mediterranean Gulls can claim Wintor Visitor status in the Borough, due to the presence of 1 individual aptly named Valentino that has wintered in Valentines Park for 10 consecutive years now. If it was not for 'him'.... Mediterranean Gull would be an 'occasional visitor'

Valentino Stats:

• Winter 10/11 - Arrived 13th October 2010, still with us into Feb 2011...
• Winter 09/10 - Arrived 10th October 2009, left 25th February 2010
• Winter 08/09 - Arrived 25th October 2008, left 15th February 2009
• Winter 07/08 - Arrived 7th October 2007, left 17th February 2008
• Winter 06/07 - Arrived 19th October 2006, left 7th February 2007
• Winter 05/06 - Arrived 15th October 2005, departure unknown
• Winter 04/05 - Arrived 16th October 2004, departure unknown
• Winter 03/04 - Arrived 21st October 2003, departure unknown
• Winter 02/03 - Arrived 20th October 2002, left 23rd February 2003
• Winter 01/02 - dates unknown
• Winter 00/01 - dates unknown

Other Sightings:

• 6th July 2010, 1 on Wanstead Flats
• 10th January 2009, 1 in Claybury Park
• 1st February 2008, 1 in Wanstead Park

Historical Information:

• Mediterranean Gulls are reported as having been present (but less than five times) at Hainault Forest pre 2003 by the late Mr. Mike Dennis