Ring-billed Gull

I was asked to drive down to Hampshire to collect some important goods for work today and the destination was very close to Walpole Park, Gosport. A Ring-billed Gull has been spending its winter there for many years, so this was an opportunity not to be missed. I set off early, so as to arrive before the company I was picking up from was open.

The gull was easy to find, as it was by the Pay-and-Display car park.

Ring-billed Gull

Ring-billed Gull

Ring-billed Gull

Ring-billed Gull

Ring-billed Gull

The Ring-billed was loosely associating with a small group of Common Gulls. It was interesting to compare the two species. The photograph below shows one of the Common Gulls, which compared to the Ring-billed Gull has sleeker proportions, a weaker less heavily marked bill ,  darker eyes and a much more obvious white tertial crescent. 

Common Gull

Common Gull

Ring-billed and Common Gull

A few small flocks of Brent Geese had been passing overhead, but it was a real surprise when one landed on the small lake and then joined the gulls on the grass bank. 

Brent Goose

I also read a Black-headed Gull's metal ring - a Swedish one - more to follow on that hopefully.

All this before 9.00 am, not bad at all!