Yellow legged Gull ? (1 Viewer)

[Michał Jaro]

I come again with a question about the Lesser Yellow-footed Gull (in its second winter, I suppose). Massive beak, dark back, darkened eye. I won't comment on the wing coverts and flight feathers, because I still don't get it (maybe just this window on primaries suits YL better). Couple of days ago, Poland Podhale.

 

[Michał Jaro]

Another one - the same region (today). Interesting: blackish underwing coverts, black beak and spotted rump, upper tail.

 

[Michał Jaro]

And one - dark mantle - adult.

 

[martyrynin]

And one - dark mantle - adult.

Pretty sure there's not enough black on the underside of p10 to be anything but Caspian.

Although the angle is a little tricky. You don't have a full-on underwing shot?

 

[Michał Jaro]

Thanks! maybe this?

 

[lou salomon]

All birds shown here are Larus cachinnans. post 1 = 3cy, post 2 = 2cy, post 3 = adult, post 4 = adult or subadult.
Don't forget date and location when you post, please.

 

[martyrynin]

Thanks! maybe this?

Hmm, does this gull not have quite a lot of black on the underside of p10. Still within range for Caspian?

 

[Evan Atkinson]

Hmm, does this gull not have quite a lot of black on the underside of p10. Still within range for Caspian?

Quite obvious black band on p5 there which can only point to Caspian.

 

[Michał Jaro]

Thanks so much for your help Lou, Evan. I really felt it would be Caspian. But I'll keep looking, the season is just starting. The variability of some of the features is incredible, I can't cope with it.

Lou, the post says location and date, but I guess I worded it a bit unclearly.

 

[HH75]

Note also that the 2nd cycle Caspian, the first bird, has small whitish mirrors on P10, not shown by all Caspians of that age class but a good feature if present. Obviously, in a large white-headed gull, there's no truly diagnostic features, but it is pro-Caspian.