The last couple of days has seen an increase in gulls using  the millpond (lake) in Millbrook with 6 species regularly seen. Yesterday I counted a record 15 Mediterranean Gulls and over 50 Common Gulls but John Nicholls counted 24 Meds. Amongst them was a french ringed bird – green ring white code 4V7 which has been seen already this winter in Looe. Both 1st winter, second winter and adult birds were present enabling good comparisons to be made. At the moment the lake is drained following the recent floods and the best time to visit is 2 hours either side of high tide. The local mudflats are covered at this time so the gulls drop into Millbrook to bathe, preen, generally loaf around or continue foraging. There is also a selection of waders – Greenshank, Black-tailed godwit, Redshank etc and good numbers of Teal.