They rarely linger in Northants or oblige with such close, prolonged views. This second-summer Mediterranean Gull is currently doing both. Since I found it last Sunday morning it appears to have become a bit of a celebrity among the Black-headed Gulls in the colony on Rotary Island at Summer Leys LNR. The proximity of the hide means it can be seen well, approached and photographed with relative ease. Its aggressive posturing display, along with its long, heavy bill suggests it’s a male, defending a small territory and ready to breed, despite showing signs of immaturity (black inner webs of outer primaries). A truly inspirational bird. Get it before it goes!
Many thanks to Clive Bowley, Alan Coles and Dave James for additional images.
Northants birds 