Photo 17: LBBG 3cy, May 12 2001, Naaktstrand Maasvlakte, the Netherlands.
Prior to
northbound migration, almost all the median coverts and the inner
greater coverts were shed in one wave prior to migration. This can be seen in the pattern,
which is the same in all these coverts and show a clear white fringe (an
indication of fresh feathers). The
tertials show such a pattern too. The second generation secondaries are just
visible beneath the greater covert row. Active moult is still in progress
in the inner lesser coverts and the scapulars.