The Wildlife of
Holy Island

 
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Gulls - The Lesser Black-backed Gull

First seen on Wednesday 29th July 2020 at Holy Island

Gulls are generally quite widespread and easy to see, especially on the coast. I've actually seen mostly Great Black-backed Gulls here and only this one the Lesser-backed Gull. They are quite similar in appearance, and although the Great is bigger, you wont see the difference unless they are side by side. The most obvious difference is the colour of the legs - the Lesser Black-backed has yellow legs, and the Great Black-backed has pink legs (as does a Herring Gull). Their feathers are slate-grey, but darker in the winter. Unfortunately this one is not in its full plumage.