More Lesser Black-backed Gull movements (north)

LBBG White 4.Z0 Portland Bill, Dorset - Martin Cade

In contrast to the reports in recent days of adult Guernsey colour ringed Lesser Black-backed Gulls being seen in Spain, there were two sightings yesterday of adults moving north. One of these (White 4.Z0) was ringed on Burhou, Alderney as a breeding adult in June 2008, and seen at Chouet, Guernsey on 10 and 12 March 2010. It was reported yesterday by Martin Cade at Portland Bill, Dorset, England.

The other was Black 3.F1, which was seen by Andy Turner at Ardley Quarry (landfill), Oxfordshire, England. Interestingly this bird could well have been handled by Andy himself, as it was ringed on 28 May 2010 at Chouet Landfill, as part of the cannon netting operation run with Paul Roper and Members of the North Thames Gull Group (including Andy!).

Today a quick tour of the beaches at the northern tip of Guernsey revealed 17 of my colour ringed Lesser Black-backed Gulls - including Black 5.X4 - a chick from Burhou this summer.

LBBG Black 5.X4 - Pembroke - PKV

There were also a few of my Great Black-backed Gull juveniles too - including the very regular Yellow 0.JJ7 and Yellow 0.KK2

GBBG Yellow 0.JJ7 as a chick on Herm...and then on Pembroke, Guernsey - 22 August - PKV

GBBG Yellow 0.KK2 when ringed as a chick on Herm 27 June 10 and at Pembroke 22 August 10 - PKV