Gull or Tern?

[PeterD]

This bird really has me stumped. Taken yesterday at Langstone Harbour.



My first stab was at a common gull but then It has a forked tail. That led me down the Tern route except for the fact it did not have a cap.

Puzzled.....

Cheers

PeterD

[aeshna5]

Your first stab was correct- it is a Common Gull. It appears to have a forked tail because it has commenced its moult- look at the wings for further evidence of this. Gulls moult there flight feathers annually in summer/early autumn- sequentially, so they are not flightless like some wildfowl. These birds moult there body feathers twice a year, hence the change in head patterns seen in some gulls.

[PeterD]

Originally Posted by aeshna5

Your first stab was correct- it is a Common Gull. It appears to have a forked tail because it has commenced its moult- look at the wings for further evidence of this. Gulls moult there flight feathers annually in summer/early autumn- sequentially, so they are not flightless like some wildfowl. These birds moult there body feathers twice a year, hence the change in head patterns seen in some gulls.

Thank you for the very clear and full information above. I am new to this and appreciate all the help provided. I suppose I should also have added that Terns tend to be in a 'look down' mode in flight whilst Gulls normally 'look forward'. It was only the tail feathers that confused me but now I know why

All the best

PeterD

[deer boy]

Great shot Peter nice sharp image

[PeterD]

Thank you. I have now uploaded to the archive.

Cheers

PeterD

[rlchew]

Yes, definitely a Common Gull .... and a nice in flight photo too

I am still having difficulties with my photography when birds decide to use their wings and fly

Richard

[PeterD]

Originally Posted by rlchew

Yes, definitely a Common Gull .... and a nice in flight photo too

I am still having difficulties with my photography when birds decide to use their wings and fly

Richard

Thank you Richard.

The E3 is good in terms of sensitivity/noise/focus speed and the Bigma is one of the best long telephotos I have used. I have been trying to improve my technique in the last few months.

Cheers

PeterD