Steppe Gull '
barabensis' is the numerically dominant large gull wintering in UAE. This post shows some adult
barabensis (and one or two
heuglini) photographed in UAE in March of this year.
For comparison: two
barabensis standing behind a
heuglini. The later primary moult of the
heuglini is evident (P10 is still regrowing and so the mirror is visible on the underside of the far wing but is level only with the P6 tip of the near wing).
Gulping down fish at Dubai fish market
A rather slender individual, hence
cachinnans-like in jizz.
Showing wing pattern. P10 has a silvery tongue which varies in shape and length - this is the longest I photographed
The number and size of primary mirrors varies: this has only a small mirror on P10, while others also have a mirror on P9. The most frequent pattern is for black to extend inwards to P5 as a broad black band, very like
michahellis. Many, like this bird, also have a black spot on the outer web of P4
A
heuglini for comparison. In March many
heuglini are shaggy headed, show neck spots and are still regrowing P10 so are rather different to
barabensis.
Black Tern, Ivars.
A selection of Black Kites
During summer there are always good numbers at Lleida dump, and this photo shows a kettle circling high in the air.
The highlight of the Tarragona pelagic was undoubtedly the Pom Skua flocks - absolutely fantastic....
For comparison: two barabensis standing behind a heuglini. The later primary moult of the heuglini is evident (P10 is still regrowing and so the mirror is visible on the underside of the far wing but is level only with the P6 tip of the near wing).
Gulping down fish at Dubai fish market
A rather slender individual, hence cachinnans-like in jizz.
The number and size of primary mirrors varies: this has only a small mirror on P10, while others also have a mirror on P9. The most frequent pattern is for black to extend inwards to P5 as a broad black band, very like michahellis. Many, like this bird, also have a black spot on the outer web of P4
A heuglini for comparison. In March many heuglini are shaggy headed, show neck spots and are still regrowing P10 so are rather different to barabensis.
Fishing with Slender-billed Gulls.
And just to end with, here is a rather more compact, short-billed individual. 
