Confusing Gulls

Gulls are confusing. They all look superficially the same with their big bills, grey backs and beady eyes, but there are some very obvious differences and then some incredibly subtle ones too. Identifying the adults is bad enough, but trying to identify the juveniles is a job for a specialist.

Here’s a Great Black Backed Gull – Larus marinus.

Great Black-Backed Gull - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

Apparently it’s the bright eye, massive bill, black upper wing, large mirrors on the primary 9 and primary 10 wing feathers and the dark grey zone on the underwing that give it away.

And here’s the unusual Common Gull – Larus canus

Common Gull - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

Apparently it’s not common at all.

And then the wonderful Herring Gull – Larus argentatus

Herring Gull - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

Then there’s the problem of identifying juvenile Gulls. Here’s a second winter / second cycle Herring Gull.

Herring Gull - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

And a comedy Herring Gull having a problem with its undercarriage.

Herring Gull - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

I can’t wait for another bright day to try some more aerial shots of these magnificent birds.

Feel free to leave a Reply :)