Gulls in Catalonia

Herring gull (L. argentatus), 08-01-12

2012-01-09T22:26:00.001+01:00

Herring gull (L. argentatus), 08-01-12. Adult and 2nd winter bird. This is a heavy individual but note the dark rump and tail and the lack of grey escapulars.

1st w. Lesser-black backed gull (L. fuscus). 01-11-11

2011-11-02T23:00:00.002+01:00

1st w. Lesser-black backed gull (L. fuscus). 01-11-11. A pale individual

1st w. Herring gull (L. argentatus). 01-11-11

2011-11-02T22:58:00.001+01:00

1st w. Herring gull (L. argentatus). 01-11-11. A dark individual.

Yellow-legged gulls (L. michahellis). 31-7-11. 1st c.y. An individual with pale tail and underwing

2011-09-01T10:50:00.001+02:00

Yellow-legged gulls (L. michahellis). 31-7-11. 1st c.y.

2011-09-01T10:47:00.006+02:00

Yellow-legged gulls (L. michahellis). 31-7-11. 2nd c.y.

2011-09-01T10:47:00.002+02:00

Yellow-legged gulls (L. michahellis). 31-7-11. 3rd c.y.

2011-09-01T10:44:00.001+02:00

Yellow-legged gulls (L. michahellis). 31-7-11. Adults

2011-08-31T14:38:00.003+02:00

Lesser black-backed gull (L. fuscus). 31-7-11. Various ages

2011-08-31T14:32:00.005+02:00

This time of the year, identification of juvenile Lesser black -backed and Yellow legged is complicated and maybe I'm wrong with this juvenile bird. In this case, the head is very small and slender

Black-headed gull (L. ridibundus), 31-7-11. Adult

2011-08-31T14:29:00.002+02:00

Mediterranean gulls (L. melanocephalus), 31-7-11. Various ages

2011-08-31T14:27:00.001+02:00

Audouin's gull (L. audouinii).31-07-11. Various ages

2011-08-31T14:23:00.005+02:00

Juvenile ringed in Iatly

Little gull (L. minutus). 26.3.2011. Various ages

2011-03-30T09:57:00.007+02:00

Note the different underwing pattern between the 3rd c.y bird (left) and adult (right).

Little gull (L. minutus). 26.3.2011. Various ages on a boat trip off Tarragona

1 w. Caspian gull (L. cachinnans). 27-03-2011

2011-03-29T08:29:00.004+02:00

1 w. Caspian gull (L. cachinnans). 27-03-2011. Pictures by Chris Gibbins

2 w. Caspian gull (L. cachinnans). 26-03-2011

2011-03-26T19:48:00.002+01:00

2 w. Caspian gull (L. cachinnans). 26-03-2011. Pictures by Chris Gibbins

1 w. Caspian gull (L. cachinnans). 26-03-2011

2011-03-26T19:43:00.001+01:00

1 w. Caspian gull (L. cachinnans). 26-03-11. Pictures by Chris gibbins

1 w. Caspian gull (L. cachinnans). 06-03-2011

2011-03-07T20:51:00.004+01:00

1 w. Herring gull (L. argentatus), 21-02-11

2011-02-21T08:20:00.001+01:00

1 w. Herring gull (L. argentatus), 21-02-11

1 w. Yellow-legged gull (L. michahellis), 19-02-11

2011-02-19T20:02:00.004+01:00

1 w. Yellow-legged gull (L. michahellis), 19-02-11

2011-02-19T19:53:00.002+01:00

1 w. Yellow-legged gull (L. michahellis), 19-02-11

2w. Lesser black-backed gull (L. fuscus), 19-02-11

2011-02-19T19:51:00.002+01:00

2w. Lesser black-backed gull (L. fuscus), 19-02-11

Caspian looking gull (Larus sp.) 13-02-11

2011-02-15T08:39:00.003+01:00

Caspian looking gull (Larus sp.) 13-02-11. This gull has something Caspian gull like, however, some things are not right. The underwing is too dark, in spite strange for local species. The manttle is very patterned, the legs are shorter than expected and the eye recalls michahellis. Thanks to Chirs Gibbins for comments on this bird!!

Ad. Herring gull (L. argentatus), 22-01-11

2011-01-22T19:18:00.001+01:00

Ad. Herring gull (L. argentatus), 22-01-11

1 w. Herring gull (L. argentatus), 22-01-11

2011-01-22T19:16:00.002+01:00

1 w. Herring gull (L. argentatus), 22-01-11

1 w. Common gull (L. canus), 18-01-11

2011-01-18T19:08:00.002+01:00

1 w. Common gull (L. canus), 18-01-11

2 w. Yellow-legged gull (L. michahellis), 09-01-11

2011-01-10T11:49:00.003+01:00

2 w. Yellow-legged gull (L. michahellis), 09-01-11. A very pale and plane individual.

Near adult or adult Lesser black-backed gull (L. fuscus), 09-01-11

2011-01-10T11:38:00.003+01:00

Near adult or adult Lesser black-backed gull (L. fuscus), 09-01-11. This individual has dark eyes. Maybe this is a rest of immaturity, as the bill has also some dark tracks and the legs are pink. It is not obvious if the wing coverts also show immaturity, but there is a lot of white in primarues. Maybe this is just an odd bird.

1 w. Lesser black-backed gull (L. fuscus), 09-01-11

2011-01-10T11:36:00.002+01:00

1 w. Lesser black-backed gull (L. fuscus), 09-01-11. Odd individual

1 w. Lesser black-backed gull (L. fuscus), 09-01-11

2011-01-10T11:34:00.001+01:00

1 w. Lesser black-backed gull (L. fuscus), 09-01-11. A baltic looking individual, but just speculation without rings from Finland.

1 w. Lesser black-backed gull (L. fuscus), 09-01-11

2011-01-10T11:28:00.003+01:00

1 w. Lesser black-backed gull (L. fuscus), 09-01-11. Two individuals with strong patterening in the coverts.

1 w. Lesser black-backed gull (L. fuscus), 09-01-11

2011-01-10T11:17:00.002+01:00

1 w. Lesser black-backed gull (L. fuscus), 09-01-11. An English-ringed bird.

2 w. Cantabric Yellow-legged gull (L. michahellis lusitanius). 08-01-11

2011-01-10T10:29:00.003+01:00

2 w. Cantabric Yellow-legged gull (L. michahellis lusitanius). 08-01-11. This is one of the few records (the 4rth) of Yellow legged gulls of Cantabric origin in the Mediterranean. Since field identification is not possible, the rings are necessary to ensure its origin. Picture and record by Raül Aymí.

Ad. Bonaparte's gull (L. philadelphia). 18-12-10

2010-12-20T14:42:00.003+01:00

Ad. Bonaparte's gull (L. philadelphia). 18-12-10. Some nice pictures taken by Raül Aymí.

1 w. Herring gull (L. argentatus) & 1 w. Yellow-legged gull (L. michahellis), 19-12-10

2010-12-19T22:27:00.003+01:00

Note the differences in size, shape and pattern with yellow-legged gull (right)

1 w. Herring gull (L. argentatus) & 1w. Yellow-legged gull (L. michahellis), 19-12-10. A typical individual

Yellow-legged gulls (L. michahellis). 19-12-10. Different ages

2010-12-19T18:14:00.006+01:00

In spite the pictures are not very good, note the differnt ammount of grey feathers in 2 w.

1 w. with restricted cobert moult. The previous one is more extense but not much

Adults with a pigeon chick that is still alive

Ad. Bonaparte's gull (L. philadelphia). 18-12-10

2010-12-18T18:58:00.005+01:00

Ad. Bonaparte's gull (L. philadelphia). 18-12-10. This is almost sure the same bird from last winter (6-1-10). Pictures from last year are available in the blog (use labels in the right to find the last year pictures). This bird was found the day 16-12-10 in the fishing harbour and has been seen today in the boat trip off Tarragona

2w. Herring gull (L. argentatus), 18-12-10

2010-12-18T18:56:00.002+01:00

2 w. Herring gull (L. argentatus), 18-12-10. The same individual from last week seen on a boat trip off Tarragona

1 w. Lesser black-backed gull (L. fuscus), 7-11-10

2010-12-13T11:00:00.004+01:00

1 w. Lesser black-backed gull (L. fuscus), 7-11-10. A pale individual with pale primary window and rump. The cobert pattern is pale but odd.

Ad. Lesser-black backed gull (L. fuscus), 16-10-10

2010-12-13T10:59:00.002+01:00

Ad. Lesser-black backed gull (L. fuscus), 16-10-10. Note the active moult on this norwegian bird

1 cy. Yellow-legged gull (L. michahellis), 16-10-10

2010-12-13T10:55:00.005+01:00

1 cy. Yellow-legged gull (L. michahellis), 16-10-10. Note moulting stage by the age and time of the year. Tail and greater coberts are kikely to be lost, but note second generation median coberts.

2w. Herring gull (L. argentatus), 11-12-10

2010-12-11T17:23:00.003+01:00

2w. Herring gull (L.argentatus), 11-12-10. As others seen in Tarragona, a lot of grey in the back

Red-footed booby (Sula sula). 8-12-2010. l'Estartit

2010-12-08T21:45:00.003+01:00

Red-footed booby (Sula sula). 8-12-2010. l'Estartit. After some months out of the blog, this is back with a non gull but a nice one. Gulls from Tarragona will come back next weekend

Ad. Lesser-black backed gull (L. fuscus), 7-3-10 and 13-3-10

2010-03-16T07:56:00.002+01:00

A dutch guy from 7-3-10

Another dutch from 13-3-10

Herring gull (L. argentatus), 13-3-10

2010-03-15T09:45:00.003+01:00

This individual has been seen since November

This is a similar individual to the last one that is present since early January

This very worn individual is present since October

As every year, an adult Herring gull is comming during the end of February and March

1 w. Yellow-legged gulsl (L. michahellis), 13-3-10

2010-03-13T22:55:00.004+01:00

1 w. Yellow-legged gulls (L. michahellis), 13-3-10. These individuals have moulted very few coberts but the last has started the primary moult

1 w. Yellow-legged gull (L. michahellis), 11-3-10

2010-03-11T11:23:00.003+01:00

1 w. Yellow-legged gull (L. michahellis), 11-3-10. We all know that gulls should be identified in basis of different factors. This is just an example of why pale primary window is not enought to sort out michahellis

2 w. Yellow-legged gull (L. michahellis), 11-3-10

2010-03-11T11:14:00.004+01:00

2 w. Yellow-legged gull (L. michahellis), 11-3-10. A nice 2w individual with very few grey feathers and two different generations in the secondaries. This has also started with primary and tail moult.

2 w. Yellow-legged gull (L. michahellis), 27-2-10

2010-03-10T09:26:00.002+01:00

2 w. Yellow-legged gull (L. michahellis), 27-2-10. Various examples

1 w. Yellow-legged gull (L. michahellis), 27-2-10

2010-03-09T09:37:00.006+01:00

Ad. Lesser-black backed gull (L. fuscus), 27-2-10

2010-03-08T10:16:00.002+01:00

Ad. Lesser-black backed gull (L. fuscus), 27-2-10. One week after was looking good, but the rope was still there.

Ad. Lesser-black backed gull (L. fuscus), 27-2-10

2010-03-05T09:25:00.002+01:00

Ad. Lesser-black backed gull (L. fuscus), 27-2-10. Individual with many white primary coberts and some greater coberts.

Ad. Audouin's gull (L. audouinii), 27-2-10

2010-03-05T09:24:00.001+01:00

Ad. Audouin's gull (L. audouinii), 27-2-10

1w. Herring gull (L. argentatus),28-2-10

2010-03-04T14:14:00.002+01:00

1w. Herring gull (L. argentatus),28-2-10. One of the long stayer individuals

1w. Herring gull (L. argentatus),28-2-10

2010-03-04T14:13:00.003+01:00

1w. Herring gull (L. argentatus),28-2-10. One of the long stayer individuals

Ad. Black-headed gull (L. ridibundus), 28-2-10

2010-03-03T09:30:00.002+01:00

It's not very obvious in the picture but this was a pink-breasted one.

Ad. Black-headed gull (L. ridibundus), 28-2-10

Mediterranean gulls (L. melanocephalus), 28-2-10

2010-03-03T09:24:00.003+01:00

A too much typical Mediterranean gull.

Adult ringed in Poland

3rd c.y.

2nd c.y.

Mediterranean gulls (L. melanocephalus), 28-2-10

Ad. Herring gull (L. argentatus), 28-2-10.

2010-03-02T09:28:00.002+01:00

Ad. Herring gull (L. argentatus), 28-2-10. A new individual.

1 w Caspian looking gull (Larus sp.). 28-2-10

2010-03-02T09:12:00.003+01:00

1 w Caspian looking gull (Larus sp.). 28-2-10. Some things point to caspian: paler underwing, undertail, hear, primary window... But I think the extensive moult, short legs, big eye and something on the gizz are not typical of Cachinanns. So maybe it is better left the bird as not identified. The most normal identification would be michahellis, however, some of the details cited before are not good for this.

1 w. Lesser black-backed gull (L. fuscus), 16-02-10

2010-02-19T09:55:00.003+01:00

1 w. Lesser black-backed gull (L. fuscus), 16-02-10. A nice individual with pale primary window. Maybe it s a Yellow-legged gull, but second generation coverts are very dark and the post juvenile moult is not so far. The rump is relativelly dark for such pale inner primaries. Any comment will be welcomed.

1 w. Lesser black-backed gull (L. fuscus), 16-02-10

2010-02-19T09:47:00.001+01:00

1 w. Lesser black-backed gull (L. fuscus), 16-02-10. This is one of the individuals seen in 7-2-10 seen this time in Cambrils

Ad. Common gull (L. canus), 14-02-10

2010-02-16T19:53:00.002+01:00

Ad. Common gull (L. canus), 14-02-10

1 w. Lesser black-backed gull (L. fuscus), 13-02-10

2010-02-16T09:47:00.002+01:00

1 w. Lesser blaack-backed gull (L. fuscus), 13-02-10. A ringed bird from Denmark with early covert moult.

1 w. Lesser black-backed gull (L. fuscus), 14-02-10

2010-02-16T08:48:00.004+01:00

1 w. Lesser black-backed gull (L. fuscus), 14-02-10. Note the very patterned Greater and Median Coverts which ressembles Herring Gull. However some of the second generation scapulars are dark and in the field the general structure was more obvious than in the pics. In flight the identification is obvious because of the lack of primary window

1 w. Herring gull (L. argentatus), 14-02-10

2010-02-15T10:53:00.001+01:00

1 w. Herring gull (L. argentatus), 14-02-10. Note the evolution of the appearance since 18-10

1 w. Herring gull (L. argentatus), 14-02-10

2010-02-15T10:51:00.003+01:00

1 w. Herring gull (L. argentatus), 14-2-10. Note the evolution of the appearance since 29-11 when it was first seen.

2w. Yellow-legged gull (L. michahellis), 7-2-10

2010-02-12T09:36:00.002+01:00

2w. Yellow-legged gull (L. michahellis), 7-2-10. This is individual is not showing any grey yet. The eye colour suggests the ageing. In addition, there're two different tertial generation and noone is first generation. The tail pattern is neither the typical for 1w YLGs.

1w. Lesser black-backed gull (L. fuscus), 7-2-10

2010-02-10T15:27:00.001+01:00

1w. Lesser black-backed gull (L. fuscus), 7-2-10. Another individual, very similar to the previous posted one.

1w. Lesser black-backed gull (L. fuscus), 7-2-10

2010-02-10T15:23:00.002+01:00

1w. Lesser black-backed gull (L. fuscus), 7-2-10. Maybe the same bird than on 27-12-09

Ad. Herring gull (L. argentatus), 11-1-10 and 7-2-10

2010-02-08T20:31:00.002+01:00

7-2-10

Ad. Herring gull (L. argentatus) 11-1-10 and 7-2-10

1w Lesser-black backed gull (L. fuscus), 7-2-10

2010-02-08T20:28:00.002+01:00

1 w Lesser-black backed gull (L. fuscus), 7-2-10. A ringed individual from the Netherlands

Ad. Slender-billed gull (L. genei), 24-1-10

2010-02-08T19:24:00.002+01:00

Ad. Slender-billed gull (L. genei), 24-1-10

Ad. Bonaparte's gull (L. philadelphia), 6-1-10

2010-01-06T19:12:00.003+01:00

Ad. Bonaparte's gull (L. philadelphia), 6-1-10. Un bon regal de Reis.

1w Lesser-black backed gull (L. fuscus), 27-12-09

2009-12-28T01:19:00.003+01:00

1w Lesser-black backed gull (L. fuscus), 27-12-09. This bird looks like how I expect a Baltic to be. But I've never seen one :)

1w Herring gull (L. argentatus), 27-12-09

2009-12-28T01:17:00.001+01:00

1w Herring gull (L. argentatus), 27-12-09. Maybe the same individual than 18-10-09.

1 cy Yellow-legged gull (L. michahellis), 27-12-09.

2009-12-28T01:13:00.004+01:00

1 cy Yellow-legged gull (L. michahellis), 27-12-09. Not all the big guys are Great black-backed :) The bills looks odd and when flying the moulted greater coverts are a lot for any other species out of michahellis.

2 cy Yellow-legged gull (L. michahellis), 27-12-09

2009-12-28T01:10:00.002+01:00

2 cy Yellow-legged gull (L. michahellis), 27-12-09. The pale iris and the primaries suggest the ageing of the ndividual.

Ad. Lesser-black backed gull (L. fuscus), 27-12-09

2009-12-28T00:09:00.001+01:00

Ad. Lesser-black backed gull (L. fuscus), 27-12-09

2 w. Herring gull (L. argentatus), 19-12-09

2009-12-19T20:51:00.003+01:00

2 w. Herring gull (L. argentatus), 19-12-09. Maybe I'm wrong with the correct identification, any comment will be welcomed.

1 w. Herring gull (L. argentatus), 19-12-09

2009-12-19T20:46:00.001+01:00

1 w. Herring gull (L. argentatus), 19-12-09. A very typical individual

1 w. Herring gull (L. argentatus), 19-12-09

2009-12-19T20:43:00.001+01:00

1 w. Herring gull (L. argentatus), 19-12-09. The same individual than 29-11-09

1 w. Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla), 10-12-09

2009-12-11T12:59:00.002+01:00

1 w. Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla), 10-12-09. After the massive invasion of adults of the last year, back to the normality. One 1w in Cambrils

1 w. possible Yellow-legged gull (L. michahellis), 3-12-09.

2009-12-09T11:38:00.002+01:00

1 w. possible Yellow-legged gull (L. michahellis), 3-12-09. This looks like a very patterened YLG. The bird is metal ringed, but I'm not able taking any information about the ring.

1 w. possible Yellow-legged gull (L. michahellis), 4-3-07.

2009-12-09T11:32:00.002+01:00

1 w. Yellow-legged gull (L. michahellis), 4-3-07. To me, both Herring and Yellow-legged gull things are visible on this bird, the tail looks YLG like and the primary window looks not not extensive enought for HG, but many thinks in the general aspect look HG like to me.

1 w. possible Yellow-legged gull (L. michahellis), 3-3-07

2009-12-09T11:20:00.004+01:00

1 w. possible Yellow-legged gull (L. michahellis), 3-3-07. The tail pattern is the only objective thing pointing to YLG. The moulted coverts do not show the YLG sequence and the fact that some secondaries are lacking and the new central tail make possible a replacement (and no moult) of the coverts. However, the tails is very white with a defined black band. Alltogether make sense identify the bird s a odd pale michahellis.

Ad. Lesser-black backed gull (L. fuscus), 21.11.09

2009-11-30T18:09:00.002+01:00

Ad. Lesser-black backed gull (L. fuscus), 21.11.09. A Dutch colour ringed individualringed in 2005 as a chick

1w. Herring gull (L. argentatus). 29.11.09

2009-11-29T17:04:00.004+01:00

1w. Herring gull (L. argentatus). 29.11.09

1w. Lesser-black backed gull (L. fuscus). 18.10.09.

2009-10-19T00:35:00.002+02:00

1w. Lesser-black backed gull (L. fuscus). 18.10.09. A very patterned individual.

1w. Herring gull (L. argentatus). 18.10.09

2009-10-19T00:33:00.003+02:00

1w. Herring gull (L. argentatus). 18.10.09

Ad. Herring gull (L. argentatus). 18.10.09

2009-10-19T00:32:00.002+02:00

Ad. Herring gull (L. argentatus). 18.10.09

cy. Yellow-legged or Lesser black-backed gulls (L. michahellis or L. fuscus)?. 04-10-09.

2009-10-15T11:09:00.004+02:00

1 cy. Yellow-legged or Lesser black-backed gulls (L. michahellis or L. fuscus)?. 04-10-09.

1 cy. Lesser black-backed gulls (L. fuscus). 04-10-09.

2009-10-14T22:33:00.002+02:00

1 cy. Lesser black-backed gulls (L. fuscus). 04-10-09. Two pale individuals.

1 cy, Lesser black-backed gulls (L. fuscus). 04-10-09.

2009-10-14T21:54:00.003+02:00

1 cy. Lesser black-backed gulls (L. fuscus). 04-10-09. Some examples

Ad. Lesser black-backed gulls (L. fuscus). 04-10-09.

2009-10-14T14:17:00.001+02:00

Ad. Lesser black-backed gulls (L. fuscus). 04-10-09. Some moulting adults

Ad. Lesser black-backed gulls (L. fuscus). 04-10-09.

2009-10-14T14:11:00.003+02:00

The first three pictures are from the same individual from Belgium. Graellsii

This individual was ringed in winter in Tarragona some winters ago

This is intermedius from Norway.

Ad. Lesser black-backed gulls (L. fuscus). 04-10-09. Some colour-ringed individuals of known origin and one ringed in winter.

3 cy Caspian looking gull (Larus sp.). 04.10.09

2009-10-05T01:02:00.009+02:00

In spite I first identified the bird as a Caspian gull (Larus cachinnans), some comments have allowed to repair the mistake. Many thanks to Chris Gibbins, Visa Rauste and Theo Muuse!!

A short abstract of these comments is written below:

Caspian gull at this age stage should show white mirror on P9 and in this bird this is only visible in P10 (still growing in the 6th picture). In addition, the mantle is dark, the legs are short and the gonys angle is strong. In spite all the big gull species show variation, there are too much “bad” things for Caspian which are more important out of the species range.

However, the pink legs, the dark eye, the head and bill structure neither fit with michahellis. In addition, the extent of black in the primaries (up to P3) and the dark rachis in secondary coverts are also strange.

The final conclusion is that maybe this bird cannot be identified at species level so we left this as an unidentified gull.

2 cy. Lesser black-backed gulls (L. fuscus). 26-09-09.

2009-10-01T11:14:00.003+02:00

2 cy. Lesser black-backed gulls (L. fuscus). 26-09-09. Two examples

1 cy. Yellow-legged gulls (L. michahellis). 26-09-09.

2009-09-30T11:21:00.003+02:00

Bird ringed as a chick in the Ebro delta.

1 cy. Yellow-legged gulls (L. michahellis). 26-09-09. Some other intemediate examples

1 cy. Yellow-legged gulls (L. michahellis). 26-09-09.

2009-09-30T11:20:00.001+02:00

1 cy. Yellow-legged gulls (L. michahellis). 26-09-09. This are the birds shoeing most extensive moults.

1 cy. Yellow-legged gulls (L. michahellis). 26-09-09.

2009-09-30T11:16:00.003+02:00

1 cy. Yellow-legged gulls (L. michahellis). 26-09-09. Mainly juvenile looking birds. Late moulting individuals.

1 cy. Yellow-legged gulls (L. michahellis). 26-09-09.

2009-09-29T11:35:00.006+02:00

1 cy. Yellow-legged gulls (L. michahellis). 26-09-09. Herring gull looking individual. In this case, judging the tail patter, the pale coverts seem to be related with any pigmentation problem. In addition, the inner primaries are really dark.

1 cy. Yellow-legged gulls (L. michahellis). 26-09-09. Individual ringed in southern France with pale primary window and overall dark appearance.