nominate Lesser Black-backed Gull (L. f. fuscus)

(last update: 1-3-2010)

Larus fuscus fuscus 2cy-3cy CAC0 March 29 2009 & February 20 2010, Madrid, Spain. Pictures: Delfin Gonzalez & Gabriel Martin.

2cy and 3cy Baltic Gull Larus fuscus yellow "CAC0", spending the winter along the 'western migration route', in Spain. The bird was ringed as a young out of nest in Pietarsaari-area, Western Finland (coordinates 6338, 2230), on 07 July 2008. As 1st-winter, it was recorded on March 29 2009 at Colmenar Viejo landfill , Madrid, Spain by Delfin Gonzalez. And as 2nd-winter it was seen again in Spain, on February 20 2010 at Alcazar de San Juan landfill, Ciudad Real, Spain (Coord: 39º 24,55' 22" N - 3º 13,31' 70" W). This time it was observed by Gabriel Martín. It is an obvious retarded bird regarding moult.

below: fuscus 2cy CAC0 March 29 2009, Madrid, Spain. Pictures: Delfin Gonzalez & Gabriel Martin.

First image: 2cy yellow "CAC0" has only replaced the scapulars and mantle feathers. Wing coverts and tertials still juvenile, which look remarkable fresh. In general: a slow retarded moulting bird, returned from the winter grounds with juvenile primaries.

below: fuscus 3cy CAC0 February 20 2010, Madrid, Spain. Pictures: Delfin Gonzalez & Gabriel Martin.

Below: 3cy Larus fuscus yellow "CAC0" again observed at Madrid, Spain in the next winter. Tail feathers now completely white. Secondaries appear to be all from one single generation, much 2nd generation in general pattern. Bird seems to be in active wing-covert moult, with several greater and median coverts missing and growing. Exact moult sequence however hard to determine from these images. No arrested moult in the primaries visible, all primaries P1-P10 equally abraded and bleached. P10 without a mirror. Head relatively boldly streaked and much black in the bill.