The darker-backed Intermedius Lesser Black-backed Gull (front) with one of our own graellsii Lesser-black-backed Gulls for easy comparison, Baile an Reannaigh, 18th May 2019 (Michael O'Clery).
If you don't like gulls, best to look away now. Intermedius Lesser Black-backed Gulls nest in coastal Scandinavia, Germany and Denmark, and other adjacent areas, and merge with our own slightly paler-backed graellsii race to the west, and the even darker 'Baltic Gull' further north and east. Baltic Gull is a true rarity in Ireland, Intermedius less so, and it is probably a regular spring and autumn passage migrant in small numbers every year. There have been three so far in Kerry this spring, and probably more to be found for those willing to look.
While the darker mantle and wings make it stand out from our local birds, there are structural differences too, such as the wingtips, or outer wings, look noticeably slender and long-looking by comparison.
Intermedius Lesser Black-backed Gull with Herring Gull (lower), Baile an Reannaigh, 18th May 2019 (Michael O'Clery).
Intermedius Lesser Black-backed Gull, Baile an Reannaigh, 18th May 2019 (Michael O'Clery).
Okay, enough now... I'm bored.
