Big Gulls you are Beautiful

News emerged a short while ago of a Kumlien's Gull at Hartlepool Headland, I didn't see it last week and as pictures emerged gradually I decided I must see it. So this morning I headed on down to Hartlepool Headland armed with scope, bins, and camera. The latter object came in particularly useful as I spent most of the day photographing the gulls around Hartlepool Headland, the photos kind of speak for themselves but I will add some comments for anyone who is interested. The days totals are as follows:

• 1 3rd winter Kumlien's Gull
• 2 adult Iceland Gulls
• 1 1st winter Glaucous Gull

Not ashamed to say that an intended few hour period turned into a day! A superb day might I add! I love white winged gulls and today just got me hooked even more, yet I still have not seen a Caspian Gull in Durham this year. Need to get my finger out, anyway enjoy the pics! I hope...

 (Glaucous Gull - © Andrew Kinghorn)

Big, obvious, and powerful looking bird. Note the massive two toned bill.

 (Glaucous Gull - © Andrew Kinghorn)

The snow white wings can be seen well here, also I would add a stunning looking gull in 1st winter plumage. Big hefty long bill obvious here aswell. 

 (Glaucous Gull - © Andrew Kinghorn)

Note the contrast between the underwing coverts and the primaries in secondaries, they almost look translucent. This feature is particularly obvious in some 1st winters, certainly in all the Glaucous Gulls of this age I have seen have shown this. 

 (Glaucous Gull - © Andrew Kinghorn)

Size difference is easy to see here, Glaucous Gulls are much larger and thicker set than Herring Gulls. Its at least a third bigger than any surrounding Herring Gulls seen in this shot.

 (Iceland Gull - © Andrew Kinghorn)

Greenish tinge can be seen in this shot, obviously the completely snow white plumage is obvious as is the blotch appearance to the breast.

 (Iceland Gull - © Andrew Kinghorn)

(Iceland Gull - © Andrew Kinghorn)

 (Kumlien's Gull - Andrew Kinghorn)

This bird is not particularly obvious from the underwing, this bird really comes into its own when you see its upperwing.

 (Kumlien's Gull - Andrew Kinghorn)

 (Kumlien's Gull - Andrew Kinghorn)

The greyish wash on the outer primaries from P10 to P7 can clearly be seen even from this fairly poor image.

  (Kumlien's Gull - Andrew Kinghorn)

The greyish wash on the outer primaries from P10 to P7 can clearly be seen even from this fairly poor image.

(Kumlien's Gull - Andrew Kinghorn)

Superb bird, if you live local and get a chance to go; do! You don't regret it. Very educational bird.

More on this bird to come soon with far better shots. Meanwhile John Bridges captured just one image of this stunning creature:

(Fog near the Tees - © John Bridges)

Note the distinctive Durham Bird Club hat as well as as the overall tired appearance usually associated with the species at this age. 

Superb day and a one that probably won't be beaten for a long while yet!

Until next time, Foghorn out!