An Uncommon Gull

There are fields full of the uncommon Common Gull here on Westray. For some reason I never get round to photographing them. Maybe it’s the familiarity? Maybe it’s that I rarely get close to them? Maybe it’s because they’re in fields, behind fences or with unflattering backgrounds?

This time it’s different because there’s a pair objecting to my presence. I’m walking on the road past their field which must have a juvenile or two in it.

They have big wings, medium bodies and rather delicate, refined heads.

I love them.

Conservation status: Classified in the UK as Red following a 2024 update to the Birds of Conservation Concern 5: the Red List for Birds (2021).