Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis), 1cy, 17.9.2010, Aarhus Harbor

This Yellow-legged Gull was seen flying in the central part of Aarhus Harbor for less than a minute before it flew off again towards east. Judged on plumage and proportions it’s clearly a new bird in the area and therefore not the same individual as seen last week.

This gull is smaller and more compact in general appearance, has stubbier bill and more heavily marked body feathers, fresher wing coverts with less wear. Unfortunately it was not seen standing or swimming, but judging from the photos both mantel and scapulars have been renewed, and the primary window is much darker than in same age argentatus Herring Gull.