Lesser Black-backed Gull (graellsii & intermedius)

(last update: May 17 2015)

Lesser Black-backed Gull graellsii CH9 11CY, March 18 2002, Maasvlakte - Missouriweg, the Netherlands (51.59N,04.02E). 

Adult male ringed, left orange CH9, ringed as a pullus in July 1992 at this location.
Those older orange rings start to become dark brown-red after a few years. Note the small black patch on the upper mandible. By March the adults return in the colony but still show hints of the winter plumage, especially bare part coloration. Note the large white primary tips and the mirror on P10, which merges with the white tip in the centre of the feather.