Would a passing larophile please help me?

[Deb London]

At Brent Reservoir yesterday I took a shot of the sort of gull conundrum that often puzzles me.

The darker gull did not have yellow legs (as seen in bins - more of a pinkish hue). Most of the other gulls seem to be Herring Gulls. The darker one seems to be the same size.

I am confused. I think Great Black-backed Gulls are larger and Lesser Black-backed Gulls have yellow legs.

Can anyone help me put a name to the darker gull?

Thanks.

[htcdude]

3CY Lesser Black-backed Gull for me.

Nige

[tigertom]

Lesser black backed for me as well
MIKE

[Weedy]

Originally Posted by htcdude

3CY Lesser Black-backed Gull for me.

Nige

"3CY" ?????? pls explain?

[htcdude]

Originally Posted by Weedy

"3CY" ?????? pls explain?

Basically it's in it's third winter. It goes:

Juvenile
First winter
Second winter
Third winter
Adult

Nige

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by Weedy

"3CY" ?????? pls explain?

It means 3rd calendar year. The year it was born being it's 1st calendar year + so on.

Looks almost adult, but a graellsii Lesser Black-back. Immatures have fleshy coloured legs; the bright yellow legs characteristic of adults, though the colour seems less bright in some individuals in winter.

[Deb London]

Thank you all. Nice to have an age too. I think this one thinks it's a Herring Gull though.

[Weedy]

Originally Posted by aeshna5

It means 3rd calendar year. The year it was born being it's 1st calendar year + so on.

Looks almost adult, but a graellsii Lesser Black-back. Immatures have fleshy coloured legs; the bright yellow legs characteristic of adults, though the colour seems less bright in some individuals in winter.

WOW .... what knowledge you guys have!!! Thanks for passing it on. Will have to examine these birdies more closely from now on!

[Wild-Woman]

Yes Gull identity is a science all of its own. I'm still getting my head around it 5 years on!

[htcdude]

Originally Posted by Wild-Woman

Yes Gull identity is a science all of its own. I'm still getting my head around it 5 years on!

I find this site helpful:

Gull Research Organisation

Nige