At this time of year we get a traditional influx of Yellow-legged Gulls from the Mediterranean. This species replaces our pink-legged Herring Gull around that warm sea and for reasons not yet known many birds head north in mid-summer shortly after breeding and over the years the Thames Estuary has become home to a very healthy population who are to all intents and purposes on their summer holidays!
Yesterday, Dom Mitchell had 29 on the landfill site (along with three Caspian Gulls) and we had at least 12 more along the foreshore. Before too long that could well approach the 100 mark!
We also had at least five Med Gulls yesterday which may have been British breeders (possibly even as local as the Medway in Kent) but could equally have come north after breeding in the low countries.
Second year Yellow-legged Gull - Dominic Mitchell www.birdingetc.com
7-7-13