Well, it's a mystery to me at least. I've combed every field guide to birds of Europe and also have scoured the internet. It's just not happening for me. Please help.
This was a *large* gull, heavily forked tail, dark bill with yellow tip, as pictured - which I thought would make this easy to ID. Not for me.
Posted by Nate Chappell on October 26, 2012 at 12:53 PM
Hi Rebecka,
I'm guessing it's a subadult Herring Gull, which lives in Europe, because of the whitish eye and large size you describe. I hope you are enjoying your travels.
Posted by Jim DeWitt on October 26, 2012 at 5:22 PM
I'm with Nate. Except that the Authorities differ on the species. Most Europeans, I believe, would call this a "Vega" gull, but it is a fairly close relative of the American Herring Gull. Your bird looks to be a third year, moving to adult plumage.
The Riviera isn't a common place for avian photography. Well done, and enjoy yourself.
Discussion
3 repliesThis was a *large* gull, heavily forked tail, dark bill with yellow tip, as pictured - which I thought would make this easy to ID. Not for me.
I'm guessing it's a subadult Herring Gull, which lives in Europe, because of the whitish eye and large size you describe. I hope you are enjoying your travels.
The Riviera isn't a common place for avian photography. Well done, and enjoy yourself.