Another juv Caspian Gull!

Had just over an hour our mid to late afternoon today, which coincided with some fairly sharp showers giving me hope some birds might drop in.

Nothing new was apparent on Black Hole Marsh, with singles of Bar-tailed Godwit and Ruff still, along with 15+ Ringed Plover and a small number of Dunlin.  Impressive numbers of Black-tailed Godwits though, and I can see Teal numbers are continuing to build.  Two Gadwall on the Estuary were possibly new arrivals for today, both looked like young birds to me...

Slightly scruffy looking, but showing well

 

From the Tower Hide I could see a large gathering of gulls on the saltmarsh opposite Coronation Corner, so popped around there to check them out.  

The first couple of scans didn't show anything different, however a third revealed the presence of an absolutely gorgeous Caspian Gull.  Unlike the bird from three days ago, this was far more advanced in its moult to first-winter, so I will definately label this one as a juv > 1w...

Another really long and large Casp, not quite as beaky as the August bird though

 

Quite pale greater coverts on this one, but look at those lovely plain grey 1w scaps and how pale the head and breast already is

 

That necklace/shawl already looking obvious as they do in first-winter plumage

 

Such a striking bird- and size shows well here

And again - such a massive and long bird!

  

Nice underwing shot - really pale

And a flash of the upperwing showing the 'venetian blind' pattern on its inner primaries

 

So it seems like we have an influx of young Caspian Gulls under way at the moment!  Long may it continue...