Med Gull?? - I don't think so! (1 Viewer)

Michael Frankis

conehead

• Oct 26, 2003

• #1

Was browsing around over the weekend while BF was closed, and found this pic claimed to be a Mediterranean Gull:
http://members.lycos.co.uk/jameseaton/hpbimg/med,norfolk0397.jpg
To see its caption scroll about ¾ of the way down this page:
http://www.members.lycos.co.uk/jameseaton/photoalbum2.html

Note the underwing pattern like a Black-headed Gull. I reckon this is probably a hybrid Black-headed x Mediterranean. Anyone else any thoughts?

Michael

 

Last edited: Oct 26, 2003

B

Bluetail

Senior Moment

• Oct 26, 2003

• #2

I don't claim to be a gull expert, so far be it from me! However, I note that the bird's belly looks even darker than the underwing. Also it's a clear blue sky. Given this, couldn't it just be intense shadow? And the right upperwing looks pretty normal to me. I'd have thought the chances are that, if there were BHG features in the underwing, there'd also be some up on the upperwing.

Jason

 

Andrew Whitehouse

Professor of Listening

Supporter

• Oct 26, 2003

• #3

Quite strange looking isn't it. Funny that the underwing looks like BH Gull but (from what's visible) the upperwing doesn't particularly (though not sure it looks like Med Gull either). If it's a hybird it strikes me as odd that the underwing is the only place where any obvious BH Gull features crop up. I'd be interested in more learned views on this.

 

B

Bluetail

Senior Moment

• Oct 26, 2003

• #4

I think it rather depends where the sun was - something I can't tell from the photo. However, I'm not so sure that the white flash is on the underwing. The wing is clearly bowed and it seems to me as if the flash is due to the sun catching the bent edge of the UPPERwing. It must have been a strong sun to catch it like that, but it would explain the shadow.

Mind you, I was always crap at judging photos, so don't take my word as gospel!

Jason

 

M

Mark D

BOG member

• Oct 26, 2003

• #5

Hi Michael,

Erm.... I dunno! The only thing that isn't right for a Med is that underwing, very strange! I agree with Fifbirder that if it was a hybrid then it must surely have a different upperwing to match the underside (?)
Well spotted by the way. As for the caption I think it is a general one as it appears above all the images and is just a space inviting the owner of the image to tell the browser about the bird.

Mark

 

CJW

Hit-and-run WUM

• Oct 27, 2003

• #6

Looks OK for Med Gull to me - the white that you think you can see on the leading edge of the underwing is actually the upperside of the leading edge and causing your confusion. IMO

 

tom tams

Well-known member

• Oct 27, 2003

• #7

Certainly looks like a Med Gull to me

 

Jane Turner

Well-known member

• Oct 27, 2003

• #8

yep...and the darkness is shadow. Structure is bang on Med.

 

Joern Lehmhus

Well-known member

• Oct 29, 2003

• #9

agreed, med gull for me, too

 

Julian Sykes Wildlife

Jules Sykes

• Oct 29, 2003

• #10

Hi
Yep, looks ok for Med Gull to me, have seen hybrids in Ireland and they looked nothing like this!. Does go to show though how underwing shadow can affect id, i particularly find this with seabirds flying close to the water. Have had manxies looking all dark (Balearic-ish) until structure and jizz take over. These things don't alter.