Bird to be Identified - Langstone Harbour, Hampshire, UK (1 Viewer)

[Jamkat]

Hi, I think this is a juvenile Herring Gull, but I am not sure, can anybody help please.?

I took it on Friday 26th February.

 

[Alexander Stöhr]

Oh, this looks like a 2 cy Yellow Legged Gull to me.
Conclusion? Gull experts, please jump in! (For example, because I have learned that (at least some) 2 cy YLG can be hard to seperate from 2 cy LBBG in winter/early spring, even by experienced people)

 

[Jamkat]

Oh, this looks like a 2 cy Yellow Legged Gull to me.
Conclusion? Gull experts, please jump in! (For example, because I have learned that (at least some) 2 cy YLG can be hard to seperate from 2 cy LBBG in winter/early spring, even by experienced people)

Hi Alexander. Thanks again. What do you mean by 2 cy?
Regards

 

[lou salomon]

in 1st and 2nd cycle (1cy-3cy) gulls, underwing shots often don't reveal enough details for a secure identification, like in this bird. that said, it does not look like a YLG on overall impression: weak bill (although all black), apparently stocky body and broad looking wings, rather plain dark brown underwing and well patterend/smudged underparts. although hard to judge from underneath, inner primaries also look to be rather pale (inclusive outer webs), so i'd call this bird a probable Herrring Gull.
Jamkat: cy stands for 'calendar year', it is an ageing term.

 

[Alexander Stöhr]

Hi Alexander. Thanks again. What do you mean by 2 cy?
Regards

<hello,
its a firdst winter bird, thst means it was hatched the year before.

In other words:
This Gull was hatched in 2021 and was then in its first calenderyear (1 cy)
In 2021 it is in its 2 calenderyear (2 cy)

And: thank you Lou! Much for me to learn!