Lesser Black-backed Gull (graellsii & intermedius)

(last update: May 17 2015)

LBBG 3cy L-108932July 09 2005, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Picture R Altenburg.

Ringed at Zeebrugge , Belgium (51.21N 03.11E) in 2003. Typical 3cy graellsii LBBG, which returned from the wintering grounds with a contrast between the old brown coverts and the grey 'saddle' (scapulars). 'Textbook graellsii' with old second generation flight-feathers and tail. Complete moult has started: P1-2 have been dropped (not visible in the picture). Probably only limited wing-covert moult in the previous winter. Now, in the complete moult, the median coverts and lower lesser coverts are replaced.