Little sign of gull migration - but LBBG White 6.Z2 back from Spain

Although there are now more than 500 Lesser Black-backed Gulls in the Chouet area most mornings, the vast majority are almost certainly local breeders, with very little evidence of passage birds. However...most days I am still finding one or two of my returning colour ringed adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls.

Today was very nice for White 6.Z2 re-appeared at Chouet landfill. This gull was ringed on its nest in one of the Sark colonies in May 2009. It was then seen at La Carihuelha Beach, Torremolinos, Malaga, Spain (Dave Murray) on 26/11/09, and then at Pantin Beach, Valdovino, A Coruna, Spain (Antonio Gutierrez) on 12/03/10. Oddly, White 6.Z2 was one of only two adults that have been seen so far in NW Spain this spring - possibly indicating a different migration strategy for the LBBGs returning in spring compared to that used in autumn (when more than 20 sightings in NW Spain occurred in August/September 2009).

LBBG White 6.Z2 Pantin, A Coruna, Spain 12/03/10 - Antonio Gutierrez

LBBG White 6.Z2 Chouet landfill 03 April 10 - PKV

Chouet landfill 03 April 10 - PKV