23 June 2009

Chris Proctor took this fantastic comparative shot of a 2nd summer Mediterranean Gull and adult Black Headed Gull at Broadsands on 20 June.

Mediterranean Gull & Black-headed Gull – Broadsands – © Chris Proctor
– 20 June 2009

County Recorder Mike Langman observes: "The larger size and structure of the Mediterranean Gull can be seen, together with the more striking plumage. The more extensive black hood with more obvious white eye rings, bulkier and brighter red bill and paler upperparts with the larger more 'floppy' scapular feathers are all important identification features. Black in the wing tips of the Mediterranean Gull age it as a second summer (3rd calendar year)."

Chris took a whole series of pictures of Mediterranean Gulls at Broadsands and a few of them appear immediately after this posting. Thanks for sending them in, Chris.