an informal birding record
tarsiger.co.uk
 
Yellow-legged Gull?
 

Larus michahellis?

Above: 1st winter/2nd calendar year (Lower Sunbury, Middlesex, 07 February 2004)

In this first winter (second calendar year) bird, the visible moult in the higher tertials, pattern of the lower tertials, rear median and middle lesser coverts, plus bill shape and colour (all black), blackish primaries and chevron barring on flanks all point towards Yellow-legged Gull (L. michahellis); however the mantle and scapulars do not show the expected classic anchor patterning on individual feathers. Overall structure leans towards Yellow-legged.

 

 

 

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