Gull - Eastern Cape, South Africa (1 Viewer)

[Trevor Hardaker]

This gull was photographed at Cape Recife in Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa a couple of days ago – I did not personally see it, so can’t offer any additional information on the bird.

It is obviously not a Kelp Gull which would be the expected large gull in the area, so now we have to consider the other possible vagrants. I have considered Baltic Gull, but I don’t really have loads of experience with them at this age and, therefore, am not sure that I can personally rule out other contenders.

Could those of you with more experience of these larger gulls please let me have your thoughts on this bird please?

Thanks in advance!

Kind regards
Trevor

 

[lou salomon]

It's a weak\small kelp gull. I'll comment later.

 

[Trevor Hardaker]

Wow, interesting thoughts Lou! I look forward to seeing your further comments on this bird...

I had felt, on shape, that it was not quite right for Baltic Gull (wings don't seem long enough for one), but I didn't really consider a runt Kelp Gull as an option. I can’t say that I’ve ever actually seen one locally as white as this with pink legs as well.

Thanks again!
Trevor

 

[lou salomon]

hi trevor, i'm back. this gull is a 2nd cycle bird, so it's a bit more than 1 year old. thus it has not the yellowish legs of older birds. the bill is slim and long, not what we are used to see in kelp gull, but also not in line with the smaller bill of baltic gull. the latter can be excluded by structure - it is longer winged, much smaller, smaller headed and shorter legged. this is how a superficially similar (typical) 2cy baltic gull looks like: http://www.israel.gull-research.org/fuscus2cy/2cyapr20.html
in your bird i can't explain the 1st generation looking primaries, though. they should be freshly renewed by now. maybe they are but to me they look a bit worn and pointed at tip. got to learn more about kelp gull myself...

 

[MJB]

in your bird i can't explain the 1st generation looking primaries, though. they should be freshly renewed by now. maybe they are but to me they look a bit worn and pointed at tip. got to learn more about kelp gull myself...

Lou,
It's with some trepidation that I offer the suggestion that gulls not in the best condition sometimes have deferred moult or part-moult....
MJB