www.gull-research.org

June 2013 we have large construction works going on, with sand supplementation to Noordwijk beach. A large vessel called 'sand hopper' collects sand from the sea and transports this over 1 km by pipes to the beach. Of course, all kind of animals are transported as well, and its a rich dish for about 6000-8000 gulls.

Attached, some 2CY Lesser Black-backed Gulls from June 10 2013 at Noordwijk beach. Funny birds from a Dutch perspective.

Attached, some 3CY Lesser Black-backed Gulls from June 10 2013 at Noordwijk beach. Here in Holland we got the 'whole bunch', variation from typical graellsii (old 2nd gen tail, old 2nd gen primaries and secondaries, grey saddle and brown coverts) up to pale backed birds believed to be intermedius with (among others) replaced primaries or jumpy secondary moult strategy, and also very dark typical fuscus birds. Hard to draw a line between all these birds.

Attached, more 3CY Lesser Black-backed Gulls from June 10 2013 at Noordwijk beach. Here in Holland we got the 'whole bunch', variation from typical graellsii (old 2nd gen tail, old 2nd gen primaries and secondaries, grey saddle and brown coverts) up to pale backed birds believed to be intermedius with (among others) replaced primaries or jumpy secondary moult strategy, and also very dark typical fuscus birds. Hard to draw a line between all these birds.

Attached, more 3CY Lesser Black-backed Gulls from yesterday June 09 2013 at Noordwijk beach. Including:
White tibia 49, from Holland. See also: http://www.gull-research.org/lbbg3cyb/49white.html
Green YAZP, from Holland. See also: http://www.gull-research.org/lbbg3cyb/yazp.html
Yellow HN46, from Germany. See also: http://www.gull-research.org/lbbg3cyb/hn46.html Bird with advanced moult, it was recorded in winter at Western Sahara by Morten Helberg.

June 16th, visited again this location. Just marvelous! Pictures will follow, but already wanted to mention we read over 80 ringed birds from various ages (many 3CY), from many different countries. I'm very happy with all these immature (ringed) plumages, as they are still under-represented at the site. Attached a 4CY LBBG, claiming a good feeding spot over 'good-oldy' UF white tibia, red inscription (bird from Maasvlakte, such rings have been used by Hans Keijser & Roland-Jan Buijs to replace old rings attached to pulli in the 1990's by Norman van Swelm).

Excellent photos and observations, Mars!

If I may add some links to my blog for some more photo and video impressions: post 1, post 2.

First attcahed picture just another overview, as it is simply very impressive to witness something like this. And.... coincidentally there is a black Norwegian ring. Can you spot it?
Immaculate fresh-looking primary tips on another Dutch LBBG, white tibia 11 red inscription.
2CY bird with extensive moult from wintering grounds, dark coloration lacking bold patterns suggests intermedius from Scandinavia.
One of a few birds I'm pretty convinced it is 5CY, with mirrors on P9-P10, and when seen from above, no real clues for immaturity. However, scalloped pattern on some underwing coverts.