21 July 2009

Among three Mediterranean Gulls roosting on the rocky shore at Instow on 19 July, captured in this photograph by Stewart Beer, was one colour-ringed bird.

Mediterranean Gulls are scarce post-breeding and winter visitors, mostly encountered around Devon's coasts. Some 100–140 birds are recorded annually in Devon, the main sites being the Taw & Torridge Estuary, Plymouth, the Axe Estuary and the Exe Estuary (Devon Bird Report 2008).

While it's impossible to make out any detail on the colour-ring in the photo, the sighting may still be useful and will be forwarded to the BTO.

Mediterranean Gulls – Instow – © Stewart Beer – 19 July 2009