Juvenile-First Winter Gull

[elvisoneill]

I'm rubbish at distinguishing young gulls,even when I get close to them.

I think this is a Juvenile- heading- for -first winter Herring Gull but every time

I check a picture of year one lesser black backed gulls I'm not so sure!

I'd appreciate views from gull fans!

Thanks

Elvis

[captaincarot]

putting a pic up usually helps

[elvisoneill]

Sorry

I should have included that!

[captaincarot]

Yes i would say you are correct..

i'd expect more brown in LBBG

[elvisoneill]

Thanks a lot Captain.

I'm unco-ordinated but I sometimes get there in the end!

[captaincarot]

to be fair mate i've just had my collins out on it

[RoyW]

Originally Posted by elvisoneill

I think this is a Juvenile- heading- for -first winter Herring Gull but every time

Yep.
Look at the tertials and greater coverts (there should be a diagram showing which feathers are which in all good field guides). Both are largely dark centered on LBbG, whereas on Herring Gull there are pale 'notches' along the edges of the tertials, and obvious pale & dark 'spotted' bars across the greater coverts.
Many of the feathers on the scapulars and mantle of this bird have been moulted (juvenile feathers have mainly dark centres).

[elvisoneill]

Thanks again fellas

They don't grow up nearly quickly enough as far as I'm concerned!