Mediterranean Gull (near) and Black-headed Gull

At least 8 Med Gulls in this flock

I had a quick walk along Pakefield Beach on Thursday morning. There were a lot of gulls about including at least 14 Mediterranean Gull (Med). I had a go at taking some photos but it was so windy and the birds never settled. You can at least see the difference between adult winter Med and Black-headed Gulls (BHG). The Meds have pale wings without the black trailing edge and a heavier bill. The head pattern of the Med Gull is more like a mask over the eye whereas the BHG has a "spot" behind the eye.

Hopefully one or two will stick around until March/April as they are very smart birds. As they develop from winter to summer plumage the black hood of the Med Gull develops fully, in contrast to the chocolate brown face of the BHG.