Iceland Gull (Larus glaucoides), 3cy, 27.01.2012, University Park, Aarhus

Although stippled, the pattern of pale and dark in the primaries is not matching a classic Kumlien’s Gull pattern.

glaucoides behind the 6th glaucescens in WP...

A unik species combination with 3cy glaucoides next to a 7cy glaucescens... 

Caspian Gull (Larus cachinnans), ad, 22.1.2012, Grenaa Harbour

This Caspian Gull was also seen last winter in Grenaa Harbor. The bird is male-like in appearance with strong body, large size and heavy bill.

ID is based on snow white head without traces of streaks and with a relative small and very dark eye, a strong bill though with flat gonys angle. The primary pattern is perfect with the outermost p10 having a large white tip and a grey tongue running up the inner web, isolated white mirror on p9 and broad black band on p5 and even a small black spot on outer edge of p4 on the left wing.

Glaucous-winged Gull (Larus glaucescens), 7cy, 25.1.2012, University Park, Aarhus, Denmark

The Glaucous-winged Gull has now been relocated for its third consecutive winter in the Aarhus-area following its first discovery in November 2009 where it was in 4th-winter plumage. This time it has been found just few hundred meters from my office at the Natural History Museum Aarhus where it is feeding on bread mainly among Mallards and Black-headed Gull in the small lakes within the University Park.

The Battle of Bread...