Larus marinus
Adults
24 September 2005
Skogsöy, Öygarden, Hordaland, Norway
These two birds serve as examples of primary moult in late September. Gulls are probably the only European birds that migrate when in heavy primary- and tail moult, but then again the migration is probably not as stressful as in many other species.
This bird (above) is missing p9-10 completely, and p8 is growing. The tail also apperars to be in heavy moult. Very little white is visible in the primaries, and inexperienced birders might be tempted to call it a Lesser black-back. The jizz is of course completely different, the wings appear even more broad and triangular than usual.
This bird has still not shed p9-10, showing the long white primary tip on p10 and a large white mirror on p9 with only a small dark subterminal spot. Both these old feathers are very worn and pointed. P8 is missing and p7 is growing.
Posted 11.10.2005
