Black headed gulls (1 Viewer)

[Frost1976]

As I was crossing the Thames this morning, I noticed that in the wheeling flocks of Black Headed Gulls, some had already developed their dark hood whereas others still only had the small dot, and some were half way in between.

Is this a bit early to be turning dark, or is it normal for different birds to develop the darker feathers at different times?

 

[Cristian Mihai]

No, it isn't early, and yes, it is normal for different birds to develop the darker feathers at different times.

 

[chris butterworth]

My first BhG, with a full hood, was on Jan 27th. Some individuals "hood-up" much earlier than others.
Chris

 

[Wimpy]

Last Friday at Moore NR

 

[John P]

Med Gulls have also started changing down here.

 

[Cristian Mihai]

Bucharest, February 22nd.

 

[rokermartin]

I have seen summer plumaged Med Gulls and BH gulls in Jan and Feb a few times

 

[Cheshire Birder]

Have had BH Gulls wirth full black heads as early as end of January also.

CB

 

[Stoggler]

I was wondering about variation in when the plumage changes and was wondering if an earlier-attained summer plumage is a help or a hindrance from a natural selection point of view (or if it makes a difference at all). And do those individuals that gain the black head earlier lose the black head earlier after the breeding season?

Does anyone know...?

 

[rokermartin]

Been reading up on BH gulls moulting starts into winter plumage anytime between June -Oct.A small minority retain there summer head to early Oct and sometimes into winter.Adults start to moult into summer plumage including head from late Jan -early Feb.Also head moult is often delayed for some weeks after a severe winter and in mild winters head moult starts in mid/late Dec.

 

[Gill Osborne]

I had a single dark-hooded BHG yesterday at Seahouses harbour in with dozens of others which all still retained their winter plumage. Was kicking myself for forgetting my camera as I could have got a fabulous photo! :smoke: