2nd CY LBBG in juvenile plumage

[Rob Hoeben]

On January 30 2011, a 1st winter Lesser Black-backed Gull was seen in Leiden, the Netherlands. As far as I can see, the gull seems largely in juvenile plumage. While many of the upper scapulars have been moulted to second generation, the lower scapulars appear juvenile. As far as I can see also all wing coverts are juvenile. This animal seems to moult rather late. How unusual is this? I would expect such moult stage in september and october in local birds. Any thoughs would be appreciated

Some more photographs can be found here: http://www.pbase.com/hoeben/lbbg2cy

Rob

[Theo Muusse]

LBBG wintering at northern areas normally arrest the scaps moult in november/ december/ januari.
Try to find active moult in January in scaps at your local spot, Herrings also probably do not moult a lot these days.

Theo