Little Gull Larus minutus, Hampton North Lake, 11-22 May 2003
Video grabs by Brian Stone
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PBC Gallery Little Gull Larus minutus, Hampton North Lake, 11-22 May 2003 Video grabs by Brian Stone |
The latest in a great series of records from Hampton North Lake - most of them on this small gravelly island just feet from the new housing estate and a busy path. The bird was found during the GPOG bird race and stayed put, occasionally visiting other nearby lakes and Orton Brick Pit. What may have been the same bird was then seen on the Nene Washes on 26th May and then at Welland Bank Pits with a second summer bird on 28-29th May.
Little Gulls can remain in a plumage similar to first winter during their first summer and this bird shows none of the first summer plumage features that often do develop, such as a broken tail band, faded 'W' on the wing and partial black hood. It does show rather worn coverts.
Minutus is right! They really are small. Just look at the size of that Black-headed Gull next to it!
Especially when alarmed by low flying Common Terns this bird showed a marked crest!
Showing the complete tail band.
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