Lesser Black-backed Gull (graellsii & intermedius)

(last update: 09-06-2013)

Lesser Black-backed Gull 3cy HN46 June 09 2013, Noordwijk, the Netherlands.

Ringed 1cy graellsii "Dutch intergrade", these yellow rings used on islands in N Germany, at the Helgoland-Amrum colonies. Birds from these colonies form the transition into Scandinavian intermedius, which start to breed at Denmark, according to Barth's findings in the 60's and 70's: HERE & HERE.

In 3CY plumage, often well advanced when compared to same aged birds from Britain. Here, HN46 replaced many feathers on the winter grounds in late winter (probably between February-April): complete tail renewed and about 8 secondaries renewed, 3rd generation. Complete moult started, with P1-P2 missing, P3-P10 old 2nd gen.