an informal birding record
tarsiger.co.uk
 
Yellowish-legged Herring Gull
 

Larus argentatus argentatus x michahellis?

Above: Adult (Essex, 16 January 2010)

This rather yellow-legged individual looks like a pale-backed and dark-eyed L. a. argentatus. However, the thick deep red orbital ring, very brightly coloured bill and clean white head and body plumage might suggest some michahellis influence. 'Omissus'-type yellow-legged 'Scandinavian' Herring Gulls tend to be rather darker grey on the upperparts. (Note the Black-headed Gulls in the background for comparison.)

 

 

 

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