Larus argentatus
First winter
April 1st. 2002
Byparken, Bergen, Hordaland, Norway
The possibility that this bird is a Glaucous- x Herring Gull hybrid cannot be excluded – in fact, it may be the more likely explanation for this birds appearance. Herring Gulls, and first-winter birds in particular, often get bleached towards their first spring. To be this pale on April 1st, though, is outside the normal variation. Notice also how the scapulars, tertials and tail have more pale and less brown pigmentation than what you normally see in argentatus Herring Gulls.
Posted 12.06.2002
