14 February 2009

Hot off the press! Devon's second American Herring Gull Larus smithsonianus (subject to acceptance by BBRC) was found by ex-Devon Birds Records Committee member Matt Knott on the afternoon of 13 February on the Otter Estuary.

Matt discovered the bird at about 2.30pm amongst a group of gulls resting on the estuary. The bird remained in the area until dusk, long enough for several keen birders to see and photograph it.

Until recently, American Herring Gull was considered to be a race of the European Herring Gull. This 1st-winter gull was initially picked out by its dark, rather uniform plumage and bulk. Looking in detail, the rather dusky brown underparts and lower nape, nearly all dark tertials, dark greater covert bar, large dark centres to several scapulars and very nearly all dark tail are all good features for this species. The bill is also two-tone, being pinkish-purple at the base with a blackish tip.

Matt confirmed his suspicions over its identity when the bird flew, seeing both the all dark tail and heavily barred rump and undertail coverts. Luckily, it only flew as far as the beach where Brian Heasman managed to take these good photos.

American Herring Gull – Otter Estuary – © Brian Heasman – 13 February 2009