One of the things we are trying
to learn about gulls nesting in the Bailiwick of Guernsey, through our colour
ringing programme, is fidelity (or otherwise) to natal sites. With the studies
commencing in 2008 (LBBG) and 2009 (HG and GBBG) we are only now beginning to
get the first clues from chicks ringed in those early years, as they approach
maturity and make their first breeding attempts.
In regard to GBBGs we already
have confirmed reports from Jean-Michel Sauvage of a metal-ringed chick from Burhou, Alderney in 2005 now nesting regularly in the town of Boulogne, Pas-de-Calais, France.
We may now be on the cusp of receiving our second confirmed case of emigration
for GBBGs with news that Yellow 0.AA6 (a chick ringed on Jethou in June 2010)
is being regularly seen on, and in the vicinity of, Looe Island in Cornwall, where
there is another significant colony of GBBGs which is being well studied
through a colour ringing project being led by Bruce Taggart. The Guernsey GBBG
may make a breeding attempt this year, or scout the colony ahead of next
season.
Below is are photos of Yellow 0.AA6
when ringed as a chick, and then on Looe Island in May 2012 and again in March 2104.
GBBG Yellow 0.AA6 as chick Jethou - 09 June 2010 (c) PKV
GBBG Yellow 0.AA6 at Looe Island 03 May 2012 (c) Claire Lewis
GBBG Yellow 0.AA6 Looe Island 19 March 2014 (c) Sue Cornwall Seal Group
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