Kumlien's Gull (larus glaucoides kumlieni) - Hartlepool Headland - February 2012

The following images were taken by Ian Forrest of the 3rd winter Kumlien's Gull that is wintering at Hartlepool Headland in Durham (Cleveland). Some small side notes have been added under some of the images with some comments, a real learning curve for me and a fantastically interesting and educational bird.

(Kumlien's Gull - © Ian Forrest)

Dark shadowing can be seen on the outer webs of P9, P8, and P7 of the outer primaries. 

 (Kumlien's Gull - © Ian Forrest)

Again the dark shadowing can be seen on the outer webs of P9, P8, and P7 of the outer primaries which contrast with the inner primaries. The backwards 'J' shape effect of the dark markings bleeding along the tip of  P9, P8, and P7 onto the inner web of these primaries can be seen here. However it is perhaps easier to see on the next image. Also the darker and more contrasting secondaries can be seen here on this bird,

(Kumlien's Gull - © Ian Forrest)

The dark shadowing on the primaries mentioned above can obviously be seen here. Outer primaries mentioned look particularly dark and contrasting in this image. The dark contrasting secondaries are again obvious here as is the remnants of what looks like a once broad tail band.