More Iceland Gulls

It was a great winter in Limerick City for Iceland Gulls.  By early March at least six different birds had been logged; four 1st winters, a 2nd winter and a third winter.  Amazingly by the end of the month at least two additional 1st winter birds were present, bringing the total for the winter to at least eight birds.

The 3rd winter (4cy) bird found in early March was proving to be a bit elusive initially as it ranged from Harvey's Quay up river as far as Corbally. Later in the month it proved to be more regular at Harvey's Quay, showing a distinct preference for the Shannon Rowing Club side of the Sarsfield Lock.

 

  

4cy Iceland Gull

Five 1st winter birds and the 3rd winter(4cy) bird were all visible on the short stretch of the Shannon between Bishop's Quay and Arthur's Quay on 30/3/2018 and again on 2/4/2018, the largest number of Icelands in one location recorded in Limerick



1st winter Iceland Gull of the nominate race Larus glaucoides glaucoides

One of the five 1st winter birds was the bird showing some characteristics of Kumlien's Iceland Gull, Larus glaucoides kumlieni, that was originally found in February. It is still showing a darker shade on the outer primaries along with darker secondaries and largely solid darker markings on the tail band. See photo below.   The bill also looks dark at a distance but closer views show the darker tone gradually fading towards the base. 

1st winter Iceland Gull with some characteristics of the Kumlein's subspecies