16 November 2023 - Hollingworth Lake

« Newer   |   Older »

Possible Yellow-legged Gull?

A quick look from the car park today revealed an interesting-looking large 2nd-cycle gull.  It had a darker bluish-grey mantle than a typical Herring Gull, and noticeably contrasting areas in the coverts with dark spade-like centres. It made me think of Yellow-legged Gull, but the bill didn't look quite right and the legs did look a little too pink for my liking, although they would be pale flesh-coloured in this plumage.  Unfortunately I didn't have any time to spend with it. I would have liked to get some flight shots but it didn't fly while I was there and I had to get back to work.  I didn't see the bird on subsequent visits.

Gull Sp, 1/500 sec, f/7.1, 500 mm, ISO 2500 (view full size image)

Gull Sp , 1/640 sec, f/7.1, 500 mm, ISO 2500 (view full size image)