This second-winter Caspian Gull was discovered off Mudbank after work, late this afternoon. My initial view was of it sleeping but the 'contrasty' plumage and white mirror on p10 got the alarm bells ringing. I hastily scribbled the above sketch and then had to wait what seemed like ages for it to wake up. Once awake it didn't hang around but I was able to rattle off a load of photos which give an idea of its structure as well as its plumage. There are many examples of hybrid birds originating from mixed German breeding colonies so I was pleased to see a nice elegant bird with a hanging rear belly, high chest, small head and long neck - no reason to suspect hybrid parentage as far as I can see.
Also present this evening - my first two Goldeneye of the season and a forty-strong flock of Black-tailed Godwit with c45+ Dunlin.
Late news for Monday, 5/11 - a Red-throated Diver watched late afternoon from Mudbank as it flew downriver towards the river mouth.
Late news for Monday, 5/11 - a Red-throated Diver watched late afternoon from Mudbank as it flew downriver towards the river mouth.
My initial view gave a tantalising glimpse of a mirror on p10. It's not a particularly large bird compared to the Herring Gull on the left, so it's presumably a female.
A nice clean white underwing.
p10 mirror, white underwing and crisp black tail band visible here.
Note the hanging rear belly and nice black tertials with contrasting broad white tips.
Note the spotted nape creating a distinct necklace, and subtle mottling to the upper breast sides. The wing coverts show a mix of adult-type grey feathers and worn/faded milky-brown older feathers.
This crappy flight shot at least captures a nice black tail band and gives an idea of the small head on long neck, contributing to a fairly striking profile.
Well done Matt - a smart bird!
ReplyDeleteThanks Mike - just wish it had stayed longer. All the best. Matt
DeleteThat's really lovely Matt, only 3rd/4th Devon record of a 2w? And you remain the finder of the only adult I believe! Seems to be a bumper year in the south west for cach, at least four in Dorset this autumn already and three/four in Devon, set to be a record winter I think. Nice one
ReplyDeleteThanks Steve - I think I'm correct in saying your first Axe bird was a second-winter. The only Casps I've ever seen are the ones I've found which is just four birds - I've messed up a few though! Hope you're right about it being a record winter. I wasn't aware of 3 or 4 in Devon though - certainly bodes well! Great to hear from you. All the best. Matt
DeleteHaha. I've let an adult or very near adult go thinking about it, years and years ago, the two photos I do have of it make me feel sick as I now know what it was but just don't have enough! I've/we've had 2 2nd winters, the first one and Mikes bird that dropped in on us, otherwise all 1w plus one 1s. There's been one in Torbay (early on, late Sept I think), one on Teign and yours. I remember seeing another reported somewhere but can't think where... Hope for many more! Take care.
DeleteNice, Matt, always a pleasure to see pics of a Devon Casp. Hopefully one might drop in on the Axe while I'm having lunch this winter. Scope's in the van, just in case... ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks Gavin - Fingers crossed. The Axe is the place for them, although I'm certain that the majority get missed on the Exe - the big gull roosts are always way out in the middle of the river and just not doable. Great to hear from you. All the best. Matt
ReplyDeleteGreat bird Matt, not in the least bit jealous (!) Just hope it might move 5 miles or so up the estuary. Been a good year so far for Caspian, especially after none at all in 2017!
ReplyDeleteHi Tim - I really hope it sticks around but they don't tend to do they. I'm sure you'll have one soon though - as you and Steve have both said it seems to be a good year, which is perhaps surprising given the weather we've had this autumn. Fingers crossed. All the best. Matt
DeleteThanks very much for your comprehensive detailed descriptions and guide to identification. V v useful plus the photos.. all v helpful. I learn a lot from you.... Thanks.
ReplyDeleteHi Geoff and many thanks for your comment. It's lovely to hear the posts are useful. All the best. Matt
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