Lesser Black-backed Gull (graellsii & intermedius)

(last update: 8-2-2011)

L. f. graellsii CCE January 11 & December 20 2009, Landfill VRSU de Colmenar Viejo, Madrid, Spain. Picture: Delfín González.

Ringed 3cy graellsii, ringed in the U.K. Ringed by The Severn Estuary Gull Group, blue CCE and metal FP86866. Ringed on October 20 2007 as 1cy bird, at SGD Gloucester landfill site, near Hempsted, Gloucestershire 51.51N 02.16W.

Second winter in January, with 2nd gen-like wing-covert panel. In third winter, much more mature, with immature markings obvious on bill and very extensive mottling on the head and neck.

below: CCE January 11 2009, Landfill VRSU de Colmenar Viejo, Madrid, Spain.

3cy now. Scapular region mix of grey and brown feathers. Several wing-coverts and tertials more adult-like grey, replaced in the partial autumn moult (e.g. upper tertials, inner gc).

below: CCE December 20 2009, Landfill VRSU de Colmenar Viejo, Madrid, Spain.

Still in 3cy. Advanced grey in the wing-coverts.