Caspian Gulls: some obvious and some not so obvious ones

This post shows a selection of birds that were present at the landfill site at Klaipeda, Lithuania (Dumpiai dump) between 12 and 16 September this year. Photos are not in any particular order. Most photos show rather clear and readily identifiable Caspian Gulls but 3 or 4 are perplexing. I have to admit to being confused by these perplexing ones - although many show plumage features not normally associated with cachinnans, ALL of them called like and had the classic long-call posture of this species. We can discuss the identification of these tricky birds long and hard, but ultimately we cannot be sure what they are, as all are unringed and so are of unknown provenance. I hope you enjoy musing over them...

As always, opinions are welcome.

Same bird is shown below.

Same bird as above. Looks good with wings open.

Same bird as above: looks less convincing

The same bird as above.

Same bird is shown below.

Same bird as above.

More gulls from Peterhead this week

The same two Iceland Gulls were again present at Peterhead on Wednesday; these two pictures show the darker of the two birds.

This rather pale Herring Gull was also present at Peterhead.

Iceland and other gulls, Peterhead (27-28 Nov)

Good numbers of large gulls were present over the weekend at Peterhead. Here is a selection of the more interesting ones.

1 cy Iceland. The same bird is featured in the first four photos

Iceland Gull. This second, paler and more worn bird was also present on both Saturday and Sunday.

A very striking large gull. This pale bird may be a Herring x Glaucous hybrid. The same bird is featured in the photos below.

It is always difficult drawing a line between pale Herrings and suspected hybrids, but this bird does appear exceptional.

Another interesting looking 'northern' gull. Very limited post juvenile moult, dark and velvety-toned underparts, contrasting white head and rather brown primaries combine to give this bird a distinctive look.

Steppe Grey Shrike, Aberdeenshire

These photos were taken yesterday afternoon (Sunday 17th) in a short period of sunshine. The consensus appears to be that the taxonomy of the 'eastern' grey shrike complex needs some revision, though what name will eventually be given to this taxon is a matter of opinion - given that it is not really a bird of Steppe habitat, the name Saxual Grey Shrike may be more appropriate (and has been suggested).

Steppes and wetlands around Lleida (Spain), August 14

I am working again in Spain, based at the university of Lleida, but had some time over the weekend for birding. I visited some steppe habitat at Candasnos to the NW of Lleida and also a wetland (Estany d' Ivars) to the east. This post shows some birds and dragonflies from these two places.

On a number of occasions in the past I had looked for sandgrouse at this pool, but this weekend I was rewarded with several flocks of Black-bellied coming in to drink.

Difficult capturing these bee-eaters in flight, but these are my best efforts.

Female Spectacled Warbler

Purple Heron

Red-veined Darter (Sympetrum fonscolombii), male

Pair in tendem

Female S.fonscolombii

Southern Emperor (Anax parthenope)

Another male S.fonscolombii

Black-tailed Skimmer (Orthetrum cancellatum)