A new spot along the river for me and good first visit. This German ringed 1cy Caspian Gull was hiding behind a cormorant for the first 20 mins after my arrival. Light conditions were very changeable and poor for photography at the best of times. I’ve not seen this age in September before so the developing scapular pattern is fairly unfamiliar to me, but through bins the bird had the 4 couloured appearance of; white head and underparts, grey tones appearing in the mantle, brown coverts and tertials and black primaries and bill. This stands out more in birds post October.
The last two shots showing the pale underwing, broad un-tapering tail band and almost un-marked upper tail. Diffuse Wing bars made by the pale tips to greater and outer median coverts Also broader more patterned window than i’d expect on a Yellow Legged gull, of which there were a few individuals.
2cy YLG
Adult YLG
I have contacted the Ringing project leader and will post the birds ‘story’ when i receive it.
