Photo 3: LBBG 3cy, June 17 2001, Missouriweg, Maasvlakte, the Netherlands.
A straightforward second summer (3cy) LBBG in June, with the common moult strategy for
the upper-parts. A grey saddle is not very obvious because some inner
lesser coverts are already moulted to adult-like feathers. Active moult is
in progress in the median coverts and in the tertials.
The bare part coloration is very adult-like, without black on the bill. Some
3cy LBBGs loose all the black markings on the bill, resulting in a very
adult-like appearance.
Note the small white tips on the primaries, yet there is no mirror on p10,
typical for 3cy LBBG in spring.
The tertials show much variation: #1 is grey, without a tip, #2 is old brown, #3 is old grey-brown with a white tip, #4 is very old, all brown and very abraded, #5 is brand new. The scapular covert is growing, grey with a white tip as in adults. As can be seen, most tail feathers are 2nd generation, with a clear black band on the tail.