White-winged Gulls (1 Viewer)

Sorry if this sounds like a stupid question, but why is it nearly always 1st winter and 2nd white winged gulls that turn up in Britian.

Living in the North of Scotland has allowed me to see many, including 8 1st winter Icelands today. Yet I have never clapped eyes on an adult and have rarely seen reports of adults.

Do they come too far south in their younger years and then realise their mistake.

Again I am sorry if this is a stupid question, but I am curious.

kas said:

Do they come too far south in their younger years and then realise their mistake.

Again I am sorry if this is a stupid question, but I am curious.

Click to expand...

Never a stupid question! I would wager that the gull's inexperience may come into it. Having said that, I see a few adults now and then, particularly Glaucous Gulls. I can't tell the difference in the younger ones though lol!

kas said:

Sorry if this sounds like a stupid question, but why is it nearly always 1st winter and 2nd white winged gulls that turn up in Britian.

Living in the North of Scotland has allowed me to see many, including 8 1st winter Icelands today. Yet I have never clapped eyes on an adult and have rarely seen reports of adults.

Do they come too far south in their younger years and then realise their mistake.

Again I am sorry if this is a stupid question, but I am curious.

Click to expand...

Hi Kas

They do show up in the far north of Scotland quite regularly although not as often as 1st and 2nd Winter birds. here's a few photo's taken at Scrabster (adult Iceland), Helmsdale (3rd Winter Iceland) and Thurso Harbour (adult Winter Glaucous).

nirofo.