Mediterranean Gulls

A fortnight at Dungeness will inevitably throw up a number of highlights and provide plenty of photographic opportunity, even for those of us with a modest bridge camera. So please excuse me as I milk my 'Dunge time' to produce a number of posts - some will be of rarity, others not so much - but each one will hopefully illustrate what a wonderful place Dungeness is, and the wealth of wildlife that can be seen there. First up is the Mediterranean Gull.

Most days would produce them, usually the first sign being their distinctive call as they floated by overhead. The Firth hide on the RSPB reserve was a good place to observe them at close quarters, although they would stay for a just brief period, time for a quick wash and preen before heading off.

Is there a finer sight than an adult Mediterranean Gull? Yes - two of them!
They would often come down to bathe with Black-headed Gulls just outside the hide
This second-summer (or third calendar year bird if you prefer) was ringed in either Belgium or Holland
Looking a bit sorry for itself  - a second calendar year bird

Comments

dmcjournal said…
Beautiful birds. I had hopes of seeing one today but sadly it was not to be. I'll settle for the Red Kite that was in the distance instead and wait another day for some of these.
3 June 2017 at 18:45
Steve Gale said…
They are indeed beautiful birds David. Mind you, Red Kites aren't too shabby either...
4 June 2017 at 07:26
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