An adult Gull that seems to show many features associated with American Herring Gull, Larus Smithsonianus, has been seen at Chew Valley lake recently, usually around the the outfall at Herriott’s Bridge.
With the lack of birds here on the estuary I made the journey south this morning to see the bird that was causing some interest and managed to get some shots of what seems to look like an American Herring Gull. It was easily found at Herriott’s Bridge as it was the only adult Herring type Gull present. It was a striking bulky bird and aggressive in both appearance and behaviour.The most helpful features are to be found in the wing pattern.It was heard making a deeper call than our usual Herring Gull. Hopefully over time the experts will reach a conclusion......
Click here for a detailed account of the finding and identification of the bird