Caspian or Yellow-legged Gull, Teesside UK (1 Viewer)

[chris65b]

Saw this Gull on Sunday 08,01,23 down at Teesside, County Durham UK. Not sure if its a Caspian or Yellow-legged Gull. Every one who saw it there said
Caspian as there is at least two there at the moment but this bird isn't one of them so not sure.

 

[Andy Adcock]

With it's flat head, Caspian often reminds me of Slender-billed but to my unducated eye, none of these fit.

 

[Alexander Stöhr]

Hello,
I agree with Andy, it doesnt look like a "proper" 1st cycle Caspian Gull for me, too.

But I dont get a YLG vibe here, too. My thoughts:

• you know, I trust observers opinions more than pictures and me, when it comes to Gulls (= I am biased against YLG)
• I see some kind of variagated pattern on the scapulars=many different types
• really extensive white greater coverts with only sparse barring

Is an Herring x Caspian Gull possible here? I hope for Lou and others to jump in. Thanks!

 

[SteveClifton]

Hello,
I agree with Andy, it doesnt look like a "proper" 1st cycle Caspian Gull for me, too.

But I dont get a YLG vibe here, too. My thoughts:

• you know, I trust observers opinions more than pictures and me, when it comes to Gulls (= I am biased against YLG)
• I see some kind of variagated pattern on the scapulars=many different types
• really extensive white greater coverts with only sparse barring

Is an Herring x Caspian Gull possible here? I hope for Lou and others to jump in. Thanks!

I saw this bird a couple of weeks ago at the same site and concluded, like you that it was most likely a hybrid. Aside from showing some features of both species (assume Herring x Caspian) its behaviour was striking. Very aggressive to other gulls present, constantly posturing and giving the 'long call' pose associated with Caspian. Certainly an odd-ball individual!