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Draycote Gull - 27th March 2002
Gull sp. Draycote Reservoir, 27th March 02, copyright Steve Valentine. Images supplied by John Judge. Update 5th April: Birders commenting on this bird think it is probably a Mediterranean Gull (Larus melanocephalus) x Common Gull (Larus canus) hybrid.
The most interesting thing about this bird is it is not the 'Boddington' bird from last year as video footage proved that bird as having an adult Franklin's pattern and this clearly does not!!
Apart from the mantle colour the bird also seems a little large for a Franklin's.
I have altered the levels and sharpened some of the shots but the mantle colour is the same as the surrounding Common Gulls the hood is definitely black not brown the bill appears a little brighter than in the field views.
Any constructive comments on the parentage of this bird are welcome. Contact John at john@draycotebirding.co.uk www.draycotebirding.co.uk