Isle of Wight, UK 9th January 2024 (1 Viewer)

[Dave Derrick]

For some reason I am not able to be 100% sure the attached image is of a Mediterranean Gull on the Isle of Wight a couple of days ago. What am I missing ? Or seeing which isn't there ?
Many thanks, Dave.

 

[leifvester]

Looks good for med gull to me!

Anything in particular you're not sure of?

 

[Joern Lehmhus]

yes it is a Mediterranean gull

 

[Dave Derrick]

Looks good for med gull to me!

Anything in particular you're not sure of?

As I said, I am, for some reason not 105% convinced; the more I look at it the more I am sure it is a med though. Perhaps I think the hood should extend further down the back ? Many thanks, Dave.

 

[leifvester]

As I said, I am, for some reason not 105% convinced; the more I look at it the more I am sure it is a med though. Perhaps I think the hood should extend further down the back ? Many thanks, Dave.

I actually thought you were going to say that haha.
Yeah the hood doesn't seem that far down the back of the head, however everything else is perfect:

1. Jet black hood
2. Pure white primaries
3. Vibrant red beak and legs
4. Bold white eye lids
5. Thick bill for a small gull
6. Light saddle

 

[Joern Lehmhus]

https://birdwatchireland.ie/app/uploads/2019/03/Mediterranean-Gull-06-Ken-Kinsella-600x400.jpg

https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a258b12aeb625c0aad96629/1520084940891-O3WOXXENV20DSFY3PGL9/med_gull1.jpg

If the neck is retracted like in your bird, that is ok, alsoo it has the pure white primaries of an adult med gull...

 

[Dave Derrick]

I actually thought you were going to say that haha.
Yeah the hood doesn't seem that far down the back of the head, however everything else is perfect:

1. Jet black hood
2. Pure white primaries
3. Vibrant red beak and legs
4. Bold white eye lids
5. Thick bill for a small gull
6. Light saddle

I give in .... gracefully though. Yes, there is no reason for any doubt. Thank you very much, most helpful. Dave.

 

[Dave Derrick]

https://birdwatchireland.ie/app/uploads/2019/03/Mediterranean-Gull-06-Ken-Kinsella-600x400.jpg

https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a258b12aeb625c0aad96629/1520084940891-O3WOXXENV20DSFY3PGL9/med_gull1.jpg

If the neck is retracted like in your bird, that is ok, alsoo it has the pure white primaries of an adult med gull...

Many thanks. Why do I try and convince myself otherwise when it is staring me in the face ? Don't answer that .... it is an age thing !! Many thanks, most helpful, Dave.`

 

[Joern Lehmhus]

this might be of interest:

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/336552255_Identification_of_hybrids_Mediterranean_x_Black-headed_Gull_in_Poland

 

[Dave Derrick]

this might be of interest:

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/336552255_Identification_of_hybrids_Mediterranean_x_Black-headed_Gull_in_Poland

Many thanks for all your help; much appreciated. Dave.