Yellow Legged Gull Fuerteventura

[Derek Charles]

Hello guys,
the first pics from my recent visit. A second winter and a presumed third winter although i am not 100% sure on the age of the third winter, could it be an advanced second winter? Bill, tertials and tail pattern suggests third winter to me. Also note the paler eyes on the second winter.

derek

[Theo Muusse]

I think the old coverts age this bird as a 2nd winter, I do not know if its advanced.
The tail-feathers have partially been replaced, the old ones looking good for 2nd generation.
The primaries appear to be non-adult like, again in favour of 2nd winter.
Cheers tHeo

[Derek Charles]

Thanks Theo.
I struggled to age some birds, there was a much bigger variation than the Herring Gulls here in Ireland. What age do you reckon for this bird, no flight pictures sorry!

derek

[Theo Muusse]

Adult like but with dark primary coverts (just visible) so probably a 3rd winter...
Theo