Seabird Ullapool to Stornoway ferry 01/05/2024 (1 Viewer)

[Original PaulE]

Hi all saw this bird from the ferry, thinking it's a Black Guillemot, possibly Leucistic or is it within range of winter plumage, all other Black Guillemots seen were in pretty much Breeding Plumage?

 

[Alexander Stöhr]

Hello Paul,

yes its a Black Guillemot for me too. And while 2cy bird retain their winter like plumage well into summer, my gut feeling is like yours. What a white headed bird.

But I havent enough experience to answer your question, if such a white headed and extensive whitish bird is still within variation or if its a leucistic individual.
Thanks for more commebts!

 

[njlarsen]

Compare with this image:

ML202163091 - Black Guillemot (mandtii) - Macaulay Library

Macaulay Library ML202163091; © Jeremiah Trimble; Barnstable, Massachusetts, United States

macaulaylibrary.org

Niels

 

[Original PaulE]

Compare with this image:

ML202163091 - Black Guillemot (mandtii) - Macaulay Library

Macaulay Library ML202163091; © Jeremiah Trimble; Barnstable, Massachusetts, United States

macaulaylibrary.org

Niels

So allowing for the bright sunshine, probably within standard winter plumage mode!! Thanks, not seen one so white before but generally only see them in the spring!!