second calendar year: January - April

Last update of this page: 26-07-05 12:25

Normally, LBBG do not winter in the Netherlands, but depending on winter conditions some may stay in the most south-western point of our country at Westkapelle, Zeeland. Winter 2000-2001 was very mild so far, and a few tens remained at Westkapelle. Most LBBG present are believed to belong to the race intermedius originating from Denmark to Norway (Vest-Agder).
Nevertheless, some local Dutch graellsii -of the type 'Dutch intergrade'- may stay during winter as well, as Dutch colour-ringed individuals showed in winter 2000/2001 at Westkapelle and IJmuiden, near Amsterdam (see distribution maps for locations).
In many plumages, the on average darker intermedius are hard to distinguish from graellsii with certainty so unringed birds can maybe best called LBBG.
Most present LBBG in January are adults, but some sub-adults, first and second winters can be seen as well.

In spring, the large groups of LBBG that arrive, contains almost no 2cy birds. By March, adults (probably males) are the first to return to the colonies to occupy the best nesting sites. By the end of the month, just a few immature LBBG are seen. Throughout May, most 2cy LBBG can be found in large migrating flocks.