There is currently a Sabine's Gull frequenting the area around Southmoors in Langstone Harbour in Hampshire. It is a scarce visitor to the county however it is very infrequent in Jan and, in common with other records at this time, it is an adult.
The question here is that the bird appears to be in full summer plumage. As I understood it, and from my research, moult is not yet fully understood in this species, however this should have been completed by December. The moult to summer plumage commences through the first quarter of the year. This bird has a full hood and dark ring and shows no evidence of head moult at all. Of the other feathers they all seem fresh, although the inner feathers, especially T1-3 looking abraded, although the outer tail looks fresh, but perhaps not fully grown.
I have looked for other images on the net and not surprisingly for a pelagic wintering species there a few. However, all I have found seem to suggest that this is an odd combination for January.
Can anyone offer any personal observations or data sources that can add to my understanding
Many thanks
The question here is that the bird appears to be in full summer plumage. As I understood it, and from my research, moult is not yet fully understood in this species, however this should have been completed by December. The moult to summer plumage commences through the first quarter of the year. This bird has a full hood and dark ring and shows no evidence of head moult at all. Of the other feathers they all seem fresh, although the inner feathers, especially T1-3 looking abraded, although the outer tail looks fresh, but perhaps not fully grown.
I have looked for other images on the net and not surprisingly for a pelagic wintering species there a few. However, all I have found seem to suggest that this is an odd combination for January.
Can anyone offer any personal observations or data sources that can add to my understanding
Many thanks
