Med Gulls

2nd March 2014 - Topsham

 

 I haven't seen a Med Gull at The Rec since mid December - today I found two. They're always a pleasure to photograph, especially when close and approachable. I first picked up an adult across the river, it soon flew over with a party of Black-headed and Common Gulls to hunt for worms on the partly flooded field.

Mediterranean Gull - 2/3/2014 Topsham

Mediterranean Gull - 2/3/2014 Topsham

 It was joined by another, a first winter, a little less striking than the clown-faced, white-winged adult but actually still pretty obvious even at a distance with it's long legs and eye-patch.

Mediterranean Gull - 2/3/2014 Topsham

Mediterranean Gull - 2/3/2014 Topsham

Mediterranean Gull - 2/3/2014 Topsham

Mediterranean Gull - 2/3/2014 Topsham

Now, just to go back to that adult for a minute. I managed a few flight shots and something interesting showed up when I looked at the pictures later.

Mediterranean Gull - 2/3/2014 Topsham

The small thin black mark on P9 makes this a 3rd winter bird, such marks are found in a quarter of males and half of females in their 3rd winter/summer (Olsen & Larsson 2004).

Reference

Olsen, K.M. & Larsson, H. 2004. Gulls of Europe, Asia and North America. A & C Black.