I went to work early today, so I could spend a little time at Shawell at lunchtime. Very soon after arriving I spotted what I initially thought was the regular Kumlien's Gull, but on close inspection I realised that it was a different bird. It is more heavily streaked on the head and breast than the other bird. At first glance it looks good for a third-winter with the amount of adult like grey mantle and scapular feathers, however, the extensive streaking on the head, breast and flanks plus the markings on the tertials suggests it's probably an advanced second-winter. Also the bill is very like a second-winter although there are examples of third-winters with bills like this. It had a similar looking primary pattern on the closed wing to the regular Kumlien's.
So, regardless of age this looks like a good Kumlien's Gull - That primary pattern of darker outers is obvious whereas a 'dark end' Iceland would show the same shading on inner prims too, probably even darker on the inner primaries.
Also note that the adult grey tones are similar to the Herring Gull whereas Iceland Gull glaucoides tend to be paler.
All said Kumlien's Gull is classed along with Thayer's Gull as an Iceland Gull.
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| Kumlien's Gull, Shawell 15th January 2020 |
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| Kumlien's Gull, Shawell 15th January 2020 |
Compare it with the regular bird:
IF YOU DO VISIT SHAWELL, PLEASE PARK SENSIBLY FOR YOUR OWN GOOD AND DO NOT CLIMB OVER FENCES.
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