Bird Migration

[munchy]

Spotted a substantial V formation of quite large totally black birds with either yellow or cream beaks ( had my shades on) flying south easterly via the Lapta Strip about midday today. Anyone else seen them or can identify them?

[Groucho]

When you say quite large it is difficult to judge... if say larger than chicken but smaller than a flamingo we can get some idea of the possibilities... but I think it will be either cormorant or shag. Glossy ibis beak is possibly too dark but look them up too.

http://www.allposters.nl/-sp/Glossy-Ibi ... 21127_.htm

[munchy]

About the size of a Stork. I have seen Black Storks in Poland but they have a white breast. Maybe they were Cormorants, but I have never seen such a large formation

[dan]

I saw them from the Lapta Walkway around 11.00am. Very black birds. I am very interested to know what they may be. They were larger than crows,but not as large as storks and they did not have extended necks when flying.

[munchy]

Spot on dan those were the same ones I saw. The wing action suggested they were quite large and/or they had been flying a long distance.

[munchy]

The nearest description I can find is ; Great Cormorant

[Groucho]

Actually I reckon they were Glossy Ibis. The Cormorant Sinensis has some white on the head and neck and if the whole flock appeared totally black that says Ibis to me.

[dan]

Just seen another flock of 30 jet black birds ,like those of yesterday, flying along the Lapta Walkway.

[Groucho]

Please somebody take a photo! It doesn't matter if it's just with a mobile phone, we will still be able to ID the birds..