Large Gull - UK, 28 Dec 21 (1 Viewer)

[GMS]

On first glance I thought it would be a Caspian Gull, based on prominent white head, collar, white rump and nice defined tail band.
However it's got a dark underwing (thus ruling out the former), a poorly defined primary window and a dark smudge around the eye.
That makes me think it may be a YLG. The tail pattern would fit this also. However I can't see any moult in the coverts which most should be showing at this time of year and the pattern on the scaps is not very striking.
So bottom line is I'm not sure on this one and any comments would be most welcome.

 

[Prestdj]

i had a very similar bird at redcar tarn a while back the outcome was a herring caspian hybrid but with more caspian genes

 

[KenM]

i had a very similar bird at redcar tarn a while back the outcome was a herring caspian hybrid but with more caspian genesView attachment 1421881

They’re all bastards! 😂

 

[Prestdj]

They’re all bastards! 😂

i know everytime i see a good gull its always a hybrid but good fun

 

[lou salomon]

...and also this time. my approach here certainly makes it a cachinnans hybrid, most likely cachinnans x argentatus

 

[Brian J Small]

A dark underwing does not rule out Caspian Gull - they can show them - https://ebird.org/checklist/S70983590

B

 

[KenM]

According to Collins, a dark underwing for Juv/imm YLG and a pale underwing for cachinnans.

Cheers

 

[GMS]

A dark underwing does not rule out Caspian Gull - they can show them - https://ebird.org/checklist/S70983590

B

Thanks. That's what I've also been told since: 'Caspian at dark end of spectrum'. I can't comment if this is a correct assessment or not. Also not sure how frequent this would be but variability clearly is very significant (as for any other large gulls).

 

[smiths]

According to Collins, a dark underwing for Juv/imm YLG and a pale underwing for cachinnans.

Cheers

I'm pretty sure that Brian is well aware of this...
Ken, don't you think it is possible that he knows a bit more than what is written in your field guide?

 

[KenM]

“My” field guide is probably the most widely used field guide in Europe Smiths, thus I can’t lay claim to having sole ownership.
Regarding to what Brian knows or doesn’t know that is indeed a conundrum!
As I can recall his parting shot to a particular thread comment a few years back now…with “who am I?” (referring to himself).

 

[smiths]

Ken, the point is that you seem to be lecturing someone who knows very well what he is talking about.

 

[KenM]

Ken, the point is that you seem to be lecturing someone who knows very well what he is talking about.

I’m not lecturing anybody and wouldn’t presume to, I merely pointed out the text in Collins for all and sunder, Brian was not even on my radar.
From my perspective, the “lecturing” is definitely not coming from this direction…..