Vagrant birds in Madeira

Winter has been cold and very wet in Madeira, even though still some nice vagrant birds have been recorded in this Island. Gordon Kirk has kindly sent his most interesting observations during his week in Madeira:

30th January 2009 at Porto da Cruz
1 Whimbrel

At Santa Cruz
1 Common Sandpiper

31st January 2009 at Funchal
1 Iceland Gull
1 Little Egret
"I think I saw a first winter Laughing Gull Larus atricilla but it flew before I could be certain - dark bird, long down-curved bill."