Small but perfectly formed

26th February 2014 - Topsham

Cetti's, Reed Buntings and occasionally Chiffchaff singing in the sunshine, and always a pleasure to see, two Little Gulls over the reeds at The Rec briefly this morning. No more waffle today, just a few photos - a little distant maybe, but atmospheric at least.

Little Gull adult - Topsham Rec 26/2/2014

Little Gull adult - Topsham Rec 26/2/2014

Little Gull 1st winter - Topsham Rec 26/2/2014

Little Gull 1st winter - Topsham Rec 26/2/2014

Little Gull 1st winter - Topsham Rec 26/2/2014

Little Gull 1st winter - Topsham Rec 26/2/2014

Little Gull 1st winter - Topsham Rec 26/2/2014

Postscript 27/2/2014 - I naturally assumed these were two of the birds seen on the previous two days (and an adult and 1st winter still present later on the 26th at least) less than a mile away on the Exminster Marshes. However, after comparing photos of the Topsham 1st winter with those of the Exminster youngster by Charlie Fleming and Dave Stone (links below), they're clearly two different individuals. My bird has a lot more black on the crown and nape as well darker secondaries. Adults look pretty much identical but maybe that was also a different bird?

Charlie's photos

Dave's Photos