Odd Bird Out ??

[ferlew]

We were in town today, and decided to sit overlooking the river whilst we ate our KFC (we know how to live)
Loads of seagulls flocking around, but we noted one bird looked quite different to the rest.
It was probably about 20% bigger, a mottled grey, with very dark grey wing tips and tail feathers. It also had a black beak.
It seemed to be ok with the others, I just wondered what on earth it could be.
Of course, my phone was out of power when I went to take a pic.
Oh, another little difference, although it was bigger, it's call was a lot higher pitched.

[Tilly2]

It might have been an immature cormorant. have a look here and see if something similar comes up.

http://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/bird-and-wildlife-guides/bird-identifier/

[ferlew]

Nothing there fits too well.
But I have spotted something VERY like it.
Juvenile Caspian Gull, or a Yellow legged gull, possible on the Humber??

[Chipchopper]

Arctic skua, perhaps ?

[ferlew]

The person I was with at the time, has also googled it, and come up with the same answer, Juvenile Caspian Gull is what he thinks resembles it best too.

Where is Gness when you need her, ROFL.

[gness]

I'd go with the juvenile Caspian gull, Ferlew....from what you've said.....and in particular the black beak.

Remember that juveniles can look really huge....they've been well fed by parents who look smaller because they're shattered from all the feeding.........and the juvenile's feathers are a little more fluffy and not as sleek as an adult....this makes them look larger too........x

[ferlew]

Thanks for that Gness, there did not seem to be an adult one about, just your common or garden seagulls.

[gness]

The adults can be very different from their young, Ferlew......and telling some gulls apart can be difficult.....I'm not great on gulls.....
Sometimes the different eye colour means it's a different gull....confusing!
I have a friend I bird with...he is brilliant.....knows the difference between gulls....little brown birds......and can recognise every bird song and call.
Love birding with him.....
Thank you for BA......x