Yelkouan Shearwater

Puffinus yelkouan (Acerbi, 1827) (0, 4)

Photo © Mark Darlaston - Berry Head, Devon, 29 July 2008

STATUS

Mediterranean and Black Sea. Monotypic.

OVERVIEW

This individual was photographed at rest on the sea and in flight with a Balearic Shearwater for comparison and noticed as a pale individual. Later, the photographs revealed it to be Britains first Yelkouan Shearwater.

Close observation required to see toe projection, slightly dark undertail area and dark bar on underwings.

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BBRC RECORDS

1). 2008 Devon Berry Head, 1CY+, 29th July.

(BOURC (2015), Ibis 157: 190; M. Darlaston & M. Langman, British Birds 109: 448-456, plates 265-270; N. A. J. Hudson and the Rarities Committee, British Birds 109: 576; BOURC (2017), Ibis 159: 238).

2). 2020 Dorset Portland Bill, 1CY+, 7th and 8th July, photo.

(L. Bacon, P. French and the Rarities Committee, British Birds 116: 573-574; P. R. French, A. Holden and the Rarities Committee, British Birds 118: 525).

3). 2020 Dorset Portland Bill, 1CY+, 8th and 9th July, photo.

(L. Bacon, P. French and the Rarities Committee, British Birds 116: 573).

4.0). 2021 Co. Durham Whitburn, 1CY+, 29th August; also seen Northumberland.

(P. R. French, A. Holden and the Rarities Committee, British Birds 118: 525).

4.1). 2021 Northumberland Sharpness Point, Tynemouth, 1CY+, 29th August; same, St Mary's Island, Seaton Sluice, Snab Point, Cresswell, Church Point, Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, Annstead Point, near Seahouses, 1CY+, 29th August; same as Co. Durham

(L. Bacon, P. French and the Rarities Committee, British Birds 117: 735; P. R. French, A. Holden and the Rarities Committee, British Birds 118: 525).