Monday 6 February 2012

Blizzard conditions

Strong southerly winds and snow did not make for easy viewing but I gave Drøbak a go this morning hoping for a new influx of gulls. Far fewer gulls than normal on show and no sign of any Iceland Gulls but I did have this probable hybrid between Glaucous and Herring Gull. These birds are difficult to identify with some people merely labeling them as pale (northern) Herring Gulls however this bird had a Glaucous Gull feel to it being larger than the accompanying Herring Gulls and also having a noticeable two toned bill like Glaucous)

Note 2 toned bill, paler plumage than Herring Gulls, pale tipped tertials and primaries

Possible Glaucous x Herring Gull hybrid




I checked out the fjord in Oslo but had only 300 Herring Gulls resting by the Opera. A quick stop to look for the Med Gull at Marienlyst eventually turned up trumps although it took a long time for the Med Gull to come into the bread. The birds were quite skittish due probably to the presence of a young male Goshawk in the area. Also 2 Black-headed Gulls with the Common Gulls.


Mediterranean Gull Oslo


Collared Dove Marienlyst

2 comments:

  1. Hello Simon!
    I've been following your blog lately, and as a citizen of Oslo I find it quite inspiring. I've created a link to it on my own blog. We'll see each other at the upcoming NSKF-meeting!
    Regards, Øivind

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  2. Hi Øyvind, thanks and I've also read your blog - great drawings! See you soon
    cheers
    Simon

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