Monday, 11 January 2010
Adult Vega Gull
This post shows a sample of Adult Vega Gulls (Choshi, Japan, 27 Dec 09 - 4 Jan 2010). Each photo shows a different individual. Certain things are rather consistent (e.g. leg colour, orbital ring colour) but other things are very variable (e.g. iris pigmentation, pattern and extent of head streaking). While there is individual variation, to my eye the average bird is rather more evenly proportioned than Herring Gull, with a smaller head and parallel-sided bill. The post below shows flight photos, illustrating the details of the wing tip pattern of this taxon.
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3 comments:
Hi Chris,
I spent 3 years in Japan and was wondering did you see anything unusual in Choshi over Christmas?
Best Regards
Mark
Hi Mark. I guess nothing too unusual. Perhaps most notable (though nowadays rather typical there i think) were 5-6 Thayer's, an American Herring and one adult bird that looked like a perfect Kumlien's.
Chris
Hi Chris,
many thanks for that. They are being sighted with more regularity now. Still, nice birds to see regardless.
Mark
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