Hi
Quite new to birdwatching, got into it using Merlin ID while out with the dog now hooked. Took this picture of what I thought was a Sandwich Tern at the time. Merlin suggested it’s a Bonapartes Gull but could also be a Black headed Gull. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Alan/resized-image/__size/1920x1440/__key/communityserver-discussions-components-files/907/IMG_5F00_0151.jpeg
Hi Alan, beak doesn't look right, and legs are wrong colour for Sandwich Tern. Description in my book of Bonapartes Gull is "like a small black headed gull", and given it's rarity, I would say Black Headed is most likely. Worth checking you have Merlin set up for the right area, or you could get lots of US anomalies :o) (Western Paleartic I think someone said covers UK)
Thanks for the help much appreciated.
Black headed gull.