Juv Gull (Lesser Black Backed?) for I.D. (2 Viewers)

[Lancey]

Dear all,
I've posted photos of a juvenile gull which I have identified as a Lesser Black Backed Gull although I have not seen one quite so unmarked on the underparts before. In fact, I had identified it originally as a Yellow-Legged Gull but the fact that I videod this bird on November 3rd 2005 would surely mean that a Yellow-Legged Gull would show the pale grey scapulars indicative of 1st winter plumage by November.

I originally saw it at long range and it looked worthy of closer study even then. I have attached a videograb taken at long range which gives an idea of the birds dumpy structure and pale underparts (admittedly over exposed slightly at long range but nonetheless quite eyecatching).

In size it was about that of a 'typical' Lesser Black Backed Gull with rich brown upperparts and a more or less wholly unmarked from head to belly. The undertail coverts were lightly marked with V-shaped chevrons and the tail band was relatively narrow with broader edges.

I have tried to provide a selection of videograbs to show the features I've mentioned. I'd be pleased to hear opinions on this bird which, as I mentioned before, was videod in November 2005.

Thanks,
Lancey

 

[lou salomon]

hi,
looks ok to me for a 1st winter lbbg, lancey. usually nominate fuscus looks so pale, but this is definitely a graellsii/intermedius bird.
cheers,

 

[Lancey]

LBB Gull

Lou,
Thanks for your comments. What surprised me about it was just how pale it was. I've not seen one so unmarked on the underparts before. I realised it couldn't be the nominate fuscus on the basis of structure, I don't recall seeing a juvenile LBBG so unmarked on the underparts as this before. Or at least if I have, it didn't catch my attention like this one.

Lancey

 

[JANJ]

Hi Lancey!

Agree with Lou, and yourself, a michahellis in Nov. would look a bit different, as I´m sure you know! Looks very pale, and unmarked below, which might suggest a Baltic, but the structure say´s graellsii/intermedius!

http://www.xs4all.nl/~daarruud/fuscus1b.html

JanJ

 

[Lancey]

intermedius/graellsii

JanJ,
Thanks for your reply. Structurally it would favour graellsii/intermedius and perhaps because of the lack of markings on the body it might be an intermedius? Juvenile/1w intermedius are less marked than juv / 1w graellsii I believe?

Lancey