Progression of an individual Yellow-legged Gull from 2W (3cy) to Adult

Above two images, September 1st

September 13th

© A. R. Dean

Images 14, 15 & 16.   3W (3cy), early September 2010.

(Image 1 in the series is at 20/01/2010).

The two outermost primaries have now been dropped (some time between August 28th and September 1st). In the third image note the prominent black subterminal band on p5. Interestingly, with transition to 3W plumage nearly complete, the legs and base of the bill appear now to be more weakly yellow than during its 2S (the iris has been creamy white since the Spring). The bare parts of adults are sometimes duller in winter than in summer and, in this 3cy individual, season seems to be over-riding age in the development of yellow pigment.