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  • Bonelli's Eagle - Aquila fasciata - 2 year old male
    156803.jpg
  • Spanish Imperial Eagle - Aquila adalberti - 3rd calendar year
    155180.jpg
  • Spanish Imperial Eagle, Aquila adalberti, born spring 2011 so 3rd calendar year, feeding on Montpellier Snake, Malponon monspessulanus, May, Castille and Leon, Spain
    155181.jpg
  • Bonelli's Eagle - Aquila fasciata - 2 year old male
    156804.jpg
  • Spanish Imperial Eagle - Aquila adalberti - 3rd calendar year
    155179.jpg
  • Spanish Imperial Eagle - Aquila adalberti - immature
    160218.jpg
  • Walker on the Thames Path in Oxfordshire, Uk
    156254.jpg
  • Cerulean Warbler - Dendrica cerulea - 1st year male
    147855.jpg
  • Yellow-headed Blackbird - Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus - 1st year male
    153540.jpg
  • Gannet - Morus bassana - 2nd calendar year.
    155564.jpg
  • Spanish Imperial Eagle - Aquila adalberti -  3th calendar year
    155168.jpg
  • Spanish Imperial Eagle - Aquila adalberti - 4th calendar year
    155182.jpg
  • Spanish Imperial Eagle - Aquila adalberti -  4th calendar year
    155167.jpg
  • Gannet - Morus bassana - 2nd calendar year
    161474.jpg
  • Gannet - Morus bassana - 2nd calendar year
    161473.jpg
  • Gannet - Morus bassana - 2nd calendar year
    159731.jpg
  • Gannet - Morus bassana - 2nd calendar year
    159730.jpg
  • Gannet - Morus bassana - 2nd calendar year
    159732.jpg
  • Gannet - Morus bassana - 2nd calendar year
    159733.jpg
  • Common Eel Anguilla anguilla Length 0.5-1m<br />
The Common Eel spawns in the Sargasso Sea, on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, and young larvae drift across in the Gulf Stream for 3 years or so. On reaching our shores, so-called elvers swim up rivers and after several years become familiar yellow-bodied, snake-like Eels; on reaching maturity they turn silvery, migrate down the sea and are presumed to attempt their oceanic journey in reverse. During the time in Britain, Common Eels live among silt and debris at the bottom of ponds, rivers and canals.
    126012.jpg
  • Giant Fir Abies grandis (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 55m Map<br />
Magnificent when mature. Fast-growing conifers, reaching a height of 40m in as many years. LEAVES Note the comb-like arrangement of soft, shining-green needles, borne in 2 rows on either side of downy olive-green twigs. Needles are up to 5cm long with a notched tip and 2 pale bands below; orange-scented when crushed. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Cones are smooth, less than 10cm long and are produced high up on trees at least 50 years old; they break up on tree to release seeds, STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of coastal W USA. Planted in our region for ornament and sometimes commercially.
    134413.jpg
  • Giant Fir Abies grandis (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 55m Map<br />
Magnificent when mature. Fast-growing conifers, reaching a height of 40m in as many years. LEAVES Note the comb-like arrangement of soft, shining-green needles, borne in 2 rows on either side of downy olive-green twigs. Needles are up to 5cm long with a notched tip and 2 pale bands below; orange-scented when crushed. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Cones are smooth, less than 10cm long and are produced high up on trees at least 50 years old; they break up on tree to release seeds, STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of coastal W USA. Planted in our region for ornament and sometimes commercially.
    134404.jpg
  • Giant Fir Abies grandis (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 55m Map<br />
Magnificent when mature. Fast-growing conifers, reaching a height of 40m in as many years. LEAVES Note the comb-like arrangement of soft, shining-green needles, borne in 2 rows on either side of downy olive-green twigs. Needles are up to 5cm long with a notched tip and 2 pale bands below; orange-scented when crushed. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Cones are smooth, less than 10cm long and are produced high up on trees at least 50 years old; they break up on tree to release seeds, STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of coastal W USA. Planted in our region for ornament and sometimes commercially.
    132804.jpg
  • Giant Fir Abies grandis (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 55m <br />
Magnificent when mature. Fast-growing conifers, reaching a height of 40m in as many years. LEAVES Note the comb-like arrangement of soft, shining-green needles, borne in 2 rows on either side of downy olive-green twigs. Needles are up to 5cm long with a notched tip and 2 pale bands below; orange-scented when crushed. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Cones are smooth, less than 10cm long and are produced high up on trees at least 50 years old; they break up on tree to release seeds, STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of coastal W USA. Planted in our region for ornament and sometimes commercially.
    124945.jpg
  • Lesser Redpoll - Carduelis cabaret. Confusingly, redpoll classification has changed in recent years. Formerly, both the Mealy Redpoll and the bird now referred to as Lesser Redpoll were treated as races of the Common Redpoll complex; now they are considered to be separate species. But here they are treated as a single entry. The Mealy Redpoll Carduelis flammea is appreciably paler in all plumages than the Lesser Redpoll. Lessers are present here all year (although many migrate to mainland Europe in winter). Mealys are exclusively winter visitors, from N Europe.
    155769.jpg
  • Mealy Redpoll - Carduelis flammea.  Confusingly, redpoll classification has changed in recent years. Formerly, both the Mealy Redpoll and the bird now referred to as Lesser Redpoll were treated as races of the Common Redpoll complex; now they are considered to be separate species. But here they are treated as a single entry. The Mealy Redpoll Carduelis flammea is appreciably paler in all plumages than the Lesser Redpoll. Lessers are present here all year (although many migrate to mainland Europe in winter). Mealys are exclusively winter visitors, from N Europe.
    154137.jpg
  • Gannet Morus bassanus W 165-180cm. Our largest seabird. Has deep, powerful wingbeats and glides on stiffly held wings. Bill is large and dagger-like. Dives from a height to catch fish. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly white plumage with black wingtips; head has buffish wash. Juvenile has dark brown plumage speckled with white dots in first year; adult plumage acquired over next 4 years. Voice Silent at sea; nesting birds utter grating calls. Status Very locally common (3/4 of world population breeds here). Nests colonially but otherwise strictly marine.
    121954.jpg
  • Lesser Redpoll - Carduelis cabaret. Confusingly, redpoll classification has changed in recent years. Formerly, both the Mealy Redpoll and the bird now referred to as Lesser Redpoll were treated as races of the Common Redpoll complex; now they are considered to be separate species.  But here they are treated as a single entry. The Mealy Redpoll Carduelis flammea is appreciably paler in all plumages than the Lesser Redpoll. Lessers are present here all year (although many migrate to mainland Europe in winter). Mealys are exclusively winter visitors, from N Europe.
    127068.jpg
  • Gannet Morus bassanus W 165-180cm. Our largest seabird. Has deep, powerful wingbeats and glides on stiffly held wings. Bill is large and dagger-like. Dives from a height to catch fish. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly white plumage with black wingtips; head has buffish wash. Juvenile has dark brown plumage speckled with white dots in first year; adult plumage acquired over next 4 years. Voice Silent at sea; nesting birds utter grating calls. Status Very locally common (3/4 of world population breeds here). Nests colonially but otherwise strictly marine.
    140267.jpg
  • Gannet Morus bassanus W 165-180cm. Our largest seabird. Has deep, powerful wingbeats and glides on stiffly held wings. Bill is large and dagger-like. Dives from a height to catch fish. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly white plumage with black wingtips; head has buffish wash. Juvenile has dark brown plumage speckled with white dots in first year; adult plumage acquired over next 4 years. Voice Silent at sea; nesting birds utter grating calls. Status Very locally common (3/4 of world population breeds here). Nests colonially but otherwise strictly marine.
    140307.jpg
  • Gannet Morus bassanus W 165-180cm. Our largest seabird. Has deep, powerful wingbeats and glides on stiffly held wings. Bill is large and dagger-like. Dives from a height to catch fish. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly white plumage with black wingtips; head has buffish wash. Juvenile has dark brown plumage speckled with white dots in first year; adult plumage acquired over next 4 years. Voice Silent at sea; nesting birds utter grating calls. Status Very locally common (3/4 of world population breeds here). Nests colonially but otherwise strictly marine.
    140308.jpg
  • Gannet Morus bassanus W 165-180cm. Our largest seabird. Has deep, powerful wingbeats and glides on stiffly held wings. Bill is large and dagger-like. Dives from a height to catch fish. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly white plumage with black wingtips; head has buffish wash. Juvenile has dark brown plumage speckled with white dots in first year; adult plumage acquired over next 4 years. Voice Silent at sea; nesting birds utter grating calls. Status Very locally common (3/4 of world population breeds here). Nests colonially but otherwise strictly marine.
    140309.jpg
  • Gannet Morus bassanus W 165-180cm. Our largest seabird. Has deep, powerful wingbeats and glides on stiffly held wings. Bill is large and dagger-like. Dives from a height to catch fish. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly white plumage with black wingtips; head has buffish wash. Juvenile has dark brown plumage speckled with white dots in first year; adult plumage acquired over next 4 years. Voice Silent at sea; nesting birds utter grating calls. Status Very locally common (3/4 of world population breeds here). Nests colonially but otherwise strictly marine.
    142582.jpg
  • Gannet Morus bassanus W 165-180cm. Our largest seabird. Has deep, powerful wingbeats and glides on stiffly held wings. Bill is large and dagger-like. Dives from a height to catch fish. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly white plumage with black wingtips; head has buffish wash. Juvenile has dark brown plumage speckled with white dots in first year; adult plumage acquired over next 4 years. Voice Silent at sea; nesting birds utter grating calls. Status Very locally common (3/4 of world population breeds here). Nests colonially but otherwise strictly marine.
    143049.jpg
  • Gannet Morus bassanus W 165-180cm. Our largest seabird. Has deep, powerful wingbeats and glides on stiffly held wings. Bill is large and dagger-like. Dives from a height to catch fish. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly white plumage with black wingtips; head has buffish wash. Juvenile has dark brown plumage speckled with white dots in first year; adult plumage acquired over next 4 years. Voice Silent at sea; nesting birds utter grating calls. Status Very locally common (3/4 of world population breeds here). Nests colonially but otherwise strictly marine.
    143734.jpg
  • Gannet Morus bassanus W 165-180cm. Our largest seabird. Has deep, powerful wingbeats and glides on stiffly held wings. Bill is large and dagger-like. Dives from a height to catch fish. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly white plumage with black wingtips; head has buffish wash. Juvenile has dark brown plumage speckled with white dots in first year; adult plumage acquired over next 4 years. Voice Silent at sea; nesting birds utter grating calls. Status Very locally common (3/4 of world population breeds here). Nests colonially but otherwise strictly marine.
    143736.jpg
  • Gannet Morus bassanus W 165-180cm. Our largest seabird. Has deep, powerful wingbeats and glides on stiffly held wings. Bill is large and dagger-like. Dives from a height to catch fish. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly white plumage with black wingtips; head has buffish wash. Juvenile has dark brown plumage speckled with white dots in first year; adult plumage acquired over next 4 years. Voice Silent at sea; nesting birds utter grating calls. Status Very locally common (3/4 of world population breeds here). Nests colonially but otherwise strictly marine.
    143919.jpg
  • Gannet Morus bassanus W 165-180cm. Our largest seabird. Has deep, powerful wingbeats and glides on stiffly held wings. Bill is large and dagger-like. Dives from a height to catch fish. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly white plumage with black wingtips; head has buffish wash. Juvenile has dark brown plumage speckled with white dots in first year; adult plumage acquired over next 4 years. Voice Silent at sea; nesting birds utter grating calls. Status Very locally common (3/4 of world population breeds here). Nests colonially but otherwise strictly marine.
    156540.jpg
  • Gannet Morus bassanus W 165-180cm. Our largest seabird. Has deep, powerful wingbeats and glides on stiffly held wings. Bill is large and dagger-like. Dives from a height to catch fish. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly white plumage with black wingtips; head has buffish wash. Juvenile has dark brown plumage speckled with white dots in first year; adult plumage acquired over next 4 years. Voice Silent at sea; nesting birds utter grating calls. Status Very locally common (3/4 of world population breeds here). Nests colonially but otherwise strictly marine.
    156539.jpg
  • Lesser Redpoll Carduelis flammea. Confusingly, redpoll classification has changed in recent years. Formerly, both the Mealy Redpoll and the bird now referred to as Lesser Redpoll were treated as races of the Common Redpoll complex; now they are considered to be separate species. But here they are treated as a single entry. The Mealy Redpoll Carduelis flammea is appreciably paler in all plumages than the Lesser Redpoll. Lessers are present here all year (although many migrate to mainland Europe in winter). Mealys are exclusively winter visitors, from N Europe.
    155770.jpg
  • Lesser Redpoll - Carduelis cabaret. Confusingly, redpoll classification has changed in recent years. Formerly, both the Mealy Redpoll and the bird now referred to as Lesser Redpoll were treated as races of the Common Redpoll complex; now they are considered to be separate species. But here they are treated as a single entry. The Mealy Redpoll Carduelis flammea is appreciably paler in all plumages than the Lesser Redpoll. Lessers are present here all year (although many migrate to mainland Europe in winter). Mealys are exclusively winter visitors, from N Europe.
    155656.jpg
  • Gannets -  Morus bassanus feeding on the ocean, Isles of Scilly, UK. W 165-180cm. Our largest seabird. Has deep, powerful wingbeats and glides on stiffly held wings. Bill is large and dagger-like. Dives from a height to catch fish. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly white plumage with black wingtips; head has buffish wash. Juvenile has dark brown plumage speckled with white dots in first year; adult plumage acquired over next 4 years. Voice Silent at sea; nesting birds utter grating calls. Status Very locally common (3/4 of world population breeds here). Nests colonially but otherwise strictly marine.
    154404.jpg
  • Gannet Morus bassanus W 165-180cm. Our largest seabird. Has deep, powerful wingbeats and glides on stiffly held wings. Bill is large and dagger-like. Dives from a height to catch fish. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly white plumage with black wingtips; head has buffish wash. Juvenile has dark brown plumage speckled with white dots in first year; adult plumage acquired over next 4 years. Voice Silent at sea; nesting birds utter grating calls. Status Very locally common (3/4 of world population breeds here). Nests colonially but otherwise strictly marine.
    121953.jpg
  • Gannet Morus bassanus W 165-180cm. Our largest seabird. Has deep, powerful wingbeats and glides on stiffly held wings. Bill is large and dagger-like. Dives from a height to catch fish. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly white plumage with black wingtips; head has buffish wash. Juvenile has dark brown plumage speckled with white dots in first year; adult plumage acquired over next 4 years. Voice Silent at sea; nesting birds utter grating calls. Status Very locally common (3/4 of world population breeds here). Nests colonially but otherwise strictly marine.
    122244.jpg
  • Gannet Morus bassanus W 165-180cm. Our largest seabird. Has deep, powerful wingbeats and glides on stiffly held wings. Bill is large and dagger-like. Dives from a height to catch fish. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly white plumage with black wingtips; head has buffish wash. Juvenile has dark brown plumage speckled with white dots in first year; adult plumage acquired over next 4 years. Voice Silent at sea; nesting birds utter grating calls. Status Very locally common (3/4 of world population breeds here). Nests colonially but otherwise strictly marine.
    137938.jpg
  • Gannet Morus bassanus W 165-180cm. Our largest seabird. Has deep, powerful wingbeats and glides on stiffly held wings. Bill is large and dagger-like. Dives from a height to catch fish. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly white plumage with black wingtips; head has buffish wash. Juvenile has dark brown plumage speckled with white dots in first year; adult plumage acquired over next 4 years. Voice Silent at sea; nesting birds utter grating calls. Status Very locally common (3/4 of world population breeds here). Nests colonially but otherwise strictly marine.
    138295.jpg
  • Gannet Morus bassanus W 165-180cm. Our largest seabird. Has deep, powerful wingbeats and glides on stiffly held wings. Bill is large and dagger-like. Dives from a height to catch fish. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly white plumage with black wingtips; head has buffish wash. Juvenile has dark brown plumage speckled with white dots in first year; adult plumage acquired over next 4 years. Voice Silent at sea; nesting birds utter grating calls. Status Very locally common (3/4 of world population breeds here). Nests colonially but otherwise strictly marine.
    140303.jpg
  • Gannet Morus bassanus W 165-180cm. Our largest seabird. Has deep, powerful wingbeats and glides on stiffly held wings. Bill is large and dagger-like. Dives from a height to catch fish. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly white plumage with black wingtips; head has buffish wash. Juvenile has dark brown plumage speckled with white dots in first year; adult plumage acquired over next 4 years. Voice Silent at sea; nesting birds utter grating calls. Status Very locally common (3/4 of world population breeds here). Nests colonially but otherwise strictly marine.
    142975.jpg
  • Lesser Redpoll Carduelis flammea. Confusingly, redpoll classification has changed in recent years. Formerly, both the Mealy Redpoll and the bird now referred to as Lesser Redpoll were treated as races of the Common Redpoll complex; now they are considered to be separate species.  But here they are treated as a single entry. The Mealy Redpoll Carduelis flammea is appreciably paler in all plumages than the Lesser Redpoll. Lessers are present here all year (although many migrate to mainland Europe in winter). Mealys are exclusively winter visitors, from N Europe.
    143195.jpg
  • Lesser Redpoll Carduelis flammea. Confusingly, redpoll classification has changed in recent years. Formerly, both the Mealy Redpoll and the bird now referred to as Lesser Redpoll were treated as races of the Common Redpoll complex; now they are considered to be separate species.  But here they are treated as a single entry. The Mealy Redpoll Carduelis flammea is appreciably paler in all plumages than the Lesser Redpoll. Lessers are present here all year (although many migrate to mainland Europe in winter). Mealys are exclusively winter visitors, from N Europe.
    143194.jpg
  • Gannet Morus bassanus W 165-180cm. Our largest seabird. Has deep, powerful wingbeats and glides on stiffly held wings. Bill is large and dagger-like. Dives from a height to catch fish. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly white plumage with black wingtips; head has buffish wash. Juvenile has dark brown plumage speckled with white dots in first year; adult plumage acquired over next 4 years. Voice Silent at sea; nesting birds utter grating calls. Status Very locally common (3/4 of world population breeds here). Nests colonially but otherwise strictly marine.
    143735.jpg
  • Gannet Morus bassanus W 165-180cm. Our largest seabird. Has deep, powerful wingbeats and glides on stiffly held wings. Bill is large and dagger-like. Dives from a height to catch fish. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly white plumage with black wingtips; head has buffish wash. Juvenile has dark brown plumage speckled with white dots in first year; adult plumage acquired over next 4 years. Voice Silent at sea; nesting birds utter grating calls. Status Very locally common (3/4 of world population breeds here). Nests colonially but otherwise strictly marine.
    143921.jpg
  • Gannet Morus bassanus W 165-180cm. Our largest seabird. Has deep, powerful wingbeats and glides on stiffly held wings. Bill is large and dagger-like. Dives from a height to catch fish. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly white plumage with black wingtips; head has buffish wash. Juvenile has dark brown plumage speckled with white dots in first year; adult plumage acquired over next 4 years. Voice Silent at sea; nesting birds utter grating calls. Status Very locally common (3/4 of world population breeds here). Nests colonially but otherwise strictly marine.
    143920.jpg
  • Gannet Morus bassanus W 165-180cm. Our largest seabird. Has deep, powerful wingbeats and glides on stiffly held wings. Bill is large and dagger-like. Dives from a height to catch fish. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly white plumage with black wingtips; head has buffish wash. Juvenile has dark brown plumage speckled with white dots in first year; adult plumage acquired over next 4 years. Voice Silent at sea; nesting birds utter grating calls. Status Very locally common (3/4 of world population breeds here). Nests colonially but otherwise strictly marine.
    143922.jpg
  • Gannet Morus bassanus W 165-180cm. Our largest seabird. Has deep, powerful wingbeats and glides on stiffly held wings. Bill is large and dagger-like. Dives from a height to catch fish. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly white plumage with black wingtips; head has buffish wash. Juvenile has dark brown plumage speckled with white dots in first year; adult plumage acquired over next 4 years. Voice Silent at sea; nesting birds utter grating calls. Status Very locally common (3/4 of world population breeds here). Nests colonially but otherwise strictly marine.
    144649.jpg
  • Mealy Redpoll - Carduelis flammea. Confusingly, redpoll classification has changed in recent years. Formerly, both the Mealy Redpoll and the bird now referred to as Lesser Redpoll were treated as races of the Common Redpoll complex; now they are considered to be separate species. But here they are treated as a single entry. The Mealy Redpoll Carduelis flammea is appreciably paler in all plumages than the Lesser Redpoll. Lessers are present here all year (although many migrate to mainland Europe in winter). Mealys are exclusively winter visitors, from N Europe.
    129402.jpg
  • Gannet Morus bassanus W 165-180cm. Our largest seabird. Has deep, powerful wingbeats and glides on stiffly held wings. Bill is large and dagger-like. Dives from a height to catch fish. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly white plumage with black wingtips; head has buffish wash. Juvenile has dark brown plumage speckled with white dots in first year; adult plumage acquired over next 4 years. Voice Silent at sea; nesting birds utter grating calls. Status Very locally common (3/4 of world population breeds here). Nests colonially but otherwise strictly marine.
    140305.jpg
  • Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos W 190-225cm. Majestic raptor. Distant flight view could be confused with soaring Buzzard but note proportionately longer wings (narrow appreciably towards base) and relatively long tail. Catches Mountain Hares and Red Grouse but also feeds on carrion in winter. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly dark brown plumage with paler margins to feathers on back and golden-brown feathers on head and neck. Tail is dark-tipped and barred but can look uniformly dark in flight silhouette. Juvenile is similar to adult but has white patches at base of outer flight feathers; tail is mainly white but with broad, dark tip. Subadult gradually loses white elements of juvenile plumage by successive moults over several years. Voice Mainly silent. Status Resident of remote, upland regions, mainly in Scotland. Favours open moorland and mountains.
    157611.jpg
  • Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos W 190-225cm. Majestic raptor. Distant flight view could be confused with soaring Buzzard but note proportionately longer wings (narrow appreciably towards base) and relatively long tail. Catches Mountain Hares and Red Grouse but also feeds on carrion in winter. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly dark brown plumage with paler margins to feathers on back and golden-brown feathers on head and neck. Tail is dark-tipped and barred but can look uniformly dark in flight silhouette. Juvenile is similar to adult but has white patches at base of outer flight feathers; tail is mainly white but with broad, dark tip. Subadult gradually loses white elements of juvenile plumage by successive moults over several years. Voice Mainly silent. Status Resident of remote, upland regions, mainly in Scotland. Favours open moorland and mountains.
    157603.jpg
  • Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos W 190-225cm. Majestic raptor. Distant flight view could be confused with soaring Buzzard but note proportionately longer wings (narrow appreciably towards base) and relatively long tail. Catches Mountain Hares and Red Grouse but also feeds on carrion in winter. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly dark brown plumage with paler margins to feathers on back and golden-brown feathers on head and neck. Tail is dark-tipped and barred but can look uniformly dark in flight silhouette. Juvenile is similar to adult but has white patches at base of outer flight feathers; tail is mainly white but with broad, dark tip. Subadult gradually loses white elements of juvenile plumage by successive moults over several years. Voice Mainly silent. Status Resident of remote, upland regions, mainly in Scotland. Favours open moorland and mountains.
    157602.jpg
  • Yellow-legged Gull - Larus michahellis - summer adult. L 52-60cm. Similar plumage to Herring Gull but adult has yellow legs. Typically, consorts with other large gull species. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has grey back and upperwings (darker than Herring Gull) with more black and less white in wingtips. In winter, similar, sometimes with small dark streaks on head. Juvenile and 1st winter have grey-brown back and wing coverts, and otherwise dark wings. Head, neck and underparts are streaked, are paler than similar age Herring Gull. Adult plumage acquired over 3 years. Voice Similar to Herring Gull but perhaps more nasal. Status S European counterpart of Herring Gull and a rather scarce non-breeding visitor to Britain and Ireland. Most frequent in winter.
    157388.jpg
  • Herring Gull - Larus argentatus - 1st winter.  L 56-62cm. Noisy, familiar bird and our most numerous large gull species. Often follows boats. Bold when fed regularly. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has blue-grey black and upperwings, with white-spotted, black wingtips; plumage is otherwise white. Legs are pink, bill is yellow with orange spot, and eye is yellow with orange-yellow ring. In winter, similar but with dark streaks on head and nape. Juvenile and 1st winter are mottled grey-brown with streaked underparts. Legs are dull pink, bill is dark and spotted pale tail has dark tip. Adult plumage acquired over 3 years. 2nd winter bird is similar but has grey back and grey areas on upperwing. Tail is white with dark tip. 3rd winter resembles winter adult but has more black on wingtips and hint of dark tail band. Voice Utters distinctive kyaoo and anxious ga-ka-ka. Status Common, mainly coastal in summer, nesting on seacliffs and in seaside towns. Widespread and more numerous in winter due to migrant influx.
    156853.jpg
  • Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus L 53-56cm. Similar to Herring Gull but adult has dark grey back and upperwings and bright yellow legs. Note, confusion possible with adult Yellow-legged (upperparts paler). Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has dark grey back and upperwings. Black wingtips are darker than rest of upperwing except for white trailing edge; plumage is otherwise white. Bill is yellow with orange spot. Iris is yellow and orbital ring is red. In winter, similar but with streaks on head and neck, and duller leg and bill colours. Juvenile and 1st winter have streaked and mottled grey-brown plumage, palest on head. Upperwings dark brown and whitish tail is dark-tipped. Eye and bill are dark. Adult plumage acquired over 3 years. 2nd winter similar to 1st winter but with grey back, pinkish legs and dark-tipped pink bill; 3rd winter resembles heavily streaked winter adult. Voice Utters a distinctive kyaoo and anxious ga-ka-ka. Status Locally common in summer, nesting colonially on seacliffs and islands. Most migrate S to Mediterranean outside breeding season; small numbers remain, often roosting on reservoirs.
    156537.jpg
  • Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus L 53-56cm. Similar to Herring Gull but adult has dark grey back and upperwings and bright yellow legs. Note, confusion possible with adult Yellow-legged (upperparts paler). Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has dark grey back and upperwings. Black wingtips are darker than rest of upperwing except for white trailing edge; plumage is otherwise white. Bill is yellow with orange spot. Iris is yellow and orbital ring is red. In winter, similar but with streaks on head and neck, and duller leg and bill colours. Juvenile and 1st winter have streaked and mottled grey-brown plumage, palest on head. Upperwings dark brown and whitish tail is dark-tipped. Eye and bill are dark. Adult plumage acquired over 3 years. 2nd winter similar to 1st winter but with grey back, pinkish legs and dark-tipped pink bill; 3rd winter resembles heavily streaked winter adult. Voice Utters a distinctive kyaoo and anxious ga-ka-ka. Status Locally common in summer, nesting colonially on seacliffs and islands. Most migrate S to Mediterranean outside breeding season; small numbers remain, often roosting on reservoirs.
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  • Herring Gull Larus argentatus - tangled up with fishing litter. L 56-62cm. Noisy, familiar bird and our most numerous large gull species. Often follows boats. Bold when fed regularly. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has blue-grey black and upperwings, with white-spotted, black wingtips; plumage is otherwise white. Legs are pink, bill is yellow with orange spot, and eye is yellow with orange-yellow ring. In winter, similar but with dark streaks on head and nape. Juvenile and 1st winter are mottled grey-brown with streaked underparts. Legs are dull pink, bill is dark and spotted pale tail has dark tip. Adult plumage acquired over 3 years. 2nd winter bird is similar but has grey back and grey areas on upperwing. Tail is white with dark tip. 3rd winter resembles winter adult but has more black on wingtips and hint of dark tail band. Voice Utters distinctive kyaoo and anxious ga-ka-ka. Status Common, mainly coastal in summer, nesting on seacliffs and in seaside towns. Widespread and more numerous in winter due to migrant influx.<br />
Kimmeridge bay september.
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  • Little Gull Hydrocoloeus minutus - Winter Adult. L 25-28cm. Our smallest gull. Has buoyant, tern-like flight. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has pale grey upperwings with white wingtips, dark hood, dark bill and short, reddish legs. In flight, upperwings have white trailing edge and rounded white wingtip; underwings are dark with white trailing edge. In winter, similar but loses dark hood; otherwise white head has dark smudges on crown and ear coverts. Juvenile has striking black bar (forming letter ‘W’) on upperwings and back. Note dark markings on mantle, nape and ear coverts, and dark tail band; plumage is otherwise white. 1st winter is similar to juvenile but back is pale grey, hence dark bar is seen only on wings. Adult plumage acquired over next 2 years. Voice Utters a sharp kyeck call. Status Regular but scarce passage migrant and winter visitor; mainly coastal.
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  • Herring Gull Larus argentatus - 2nd Winter. L 56-62cm. Noisy, familiar bird and our most numerous large gull species. Often follows boats. Bold when fed regularly. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has blue-grey black and upperwings, with white-spotted, black wingtips; plumage is otherwise white. Legs are pink, bill is yellow with orange spot, and eye is yellow with orange-yellow ring. In winter, similar but with dark streaks on head and nape. Juvenile and 1st winter are mottled grey-brown with streaked underparts. Legs are dull pink, bill is dark and spotted pale tail has dark tip. Adult plumage acquired over 3 years. 2nd winter bird is similar but has grey back and grey areas on upperwing. Tail is white with dark tip. 3rd winter resembles winter adult but has more black on wingtips and hint of dark tail band. Voice Utters distinctive kyaoo and anxious ga-ka-ka. Status Common, mainly coastal in summer, nesting on seacliffs and in seaside towns. Widespread and more numerous in winter due to migrant influx.
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  • Glaucous Gull Larus hyperboreus - Winter Adult. L 62-68cm. Bulky, pale-looking gull. Similar size to Great Black-backed but closer to Herring in plumage terms. Note adult’s white wing tips; bill is massive and legs are pinkish at all times. Sexes are similar. Adult in winter has pale grey back and upperwings with white wingtips and trailing margin. Plumage is otherwise mainly white with variable dark streaking on head and neck. Eye has pale iris and orbital ring is yellow. In breeding plumage (sometimes seen in late winter) similar but without dark streaks. Juvenile and 1st winter are mainly pale buffish grey but very pale primaries. Pink bill is dark-tipped. Adult plumage acquired over 3 years. 2nd winter is very pale with faint streaks marbling. 3rd winter is overall paler still. Voice Utters a kyaoo and an anxious ga-ka-ka. Status Scarce non-breeding visitor, commonest on N coasts in late winter.
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  • Glaucous Gull - Larus hyperboreus - 1st winter. L 62-68cm. Bulky, pale-looking gull. Similar size to Great Black-backed but closer to Herring in plumage terms. Note adult’s white wing tips; bill is massive and legs are pinkish at all times. Sexes are similar. Adult in winter has pale grey back and upperwings with white wingtips and trailing margin. Plumage is otherwise mainly white with variable dark streaking on head and neck. Eye has pale iris and orbital ring is yellow. In breeding plumage (sometimes seen in late winter) similar but without dark streaks. Juvenile and 1st winter are mainly pale buffish grey but very pale primaries. Pink bill is dark-tipped. Adult plumage acquired over 3 years. 2nd winter is very pale with faint streaks marbling. 3rd winter is overall paler still. Voice Utters a kyaoo and an anxious ga-ka-ka. Status Scarce non-breeding visitor, commonest on N coasts in late winter.
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  • Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus L 64-79cm. Our largest gull species. Bulkier than Lesser Black-backed, adult with darker back, massive bill and pink legs. Sexes are similar. Adult has almost uniformly dark back and upperwings; wingtips only marginally darker than rest of wings. Note white patch at tip of wings and broad white trailing edge. Plumage is otherwise white. Bill is yellow with an orange spot. Juvenile and 1st winter are mottled and streaked grey brown. In flight, brown upperwings have pale panels and inner primaries. Bill is dark, legs are dull pink and whitish tail is dark-tipped. Adult plumage acquired over 3 years. Voice Utters a deep kaa-ga-ga call. Status Local and coastal in the breeding season. Often nests in vicinity of mixed seabird colonies and pairs are territorial. Outside breeding season, more widespread inland and numbers boosted by migrants from N Europe.
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  • Silver Y Autographa gamma Length 20-22mm. A familiar migrant moth that flies in the daytime as well as at night. It rests with its wings in a tent-like manner. Adult has grey-brown forewings with a bold white ‘Y’ marking that is diagnostic. Flies May–October. Larva feeds on a range of low-growing plants. Widespread and common in most years; it migrates from southern Europe and also breeds in Britain.
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  • Small Tortoiseshell Nymphalis urticae  Wingspan 42mm. A colourful butterfly associated with waste and wayside areas where larval foodplant flourishes. Fond of basking in the sun, usually on bare ground. Adult has marbled orange, yellow and black upperwings; underwings are grey-brown. Double- or triple-brooded: flies March–October. Also hibernates. Larva is yellow and black and spiny; typically they are gregarious and feed on Common Nettle. Fairly common and widespread but much reduced in numbers in recent years.
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  • Silver Y Autographa gamma Length 20-22mm. A familiar migrant moth that flies in the daytime as well as at night. It rests with its wings in a tent-like manner. Adult has grey-brown forewings with a bold white ‘Y’ marking that is diagnostic. Flies May–October. Larva feeds on a range of low-growing plants. Widespread and common in most years; it migrates from southern Europe and also breeds in Britain.
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  • Herring Clupea harengus Length to 40cm<br />
Shoal-forming, economically important fish. Favours open seas but sometimes found inshore. Adult is streamlined, blue-grey above and silvery on sides. Dorsal fin starts in front of pelvic fin. Widespread but rather scarce, numbers much reduced in recent years due to overfishing.
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  • Big Belly Oak in Savernake Forest, Marlborough, Wiltshire one of our more noteable ancient trees believed to be over 1,000 years old. Pedunculate or English Oak Quercus robur Fagaceae Height to 36m. Spreading, deciduous tree with dense crown. Bark Grey, thick and fissured with age. Branches Dead branches emerge from canopy of ancient trees. Buds hairless. Leaves Deeply lobed with 2 auricles at base; on very short stalks (5mm or less). Reproductive parts Flowers are catkins. Acorns, in groups of 1–3, with long stalks and scaly cups. Status Widespread; prefers heavier clay soils to Sessile Oak.
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  • Monkey-puzzle (Chile Pine) Araucaria araucana (Araucariaceae) HEIGHT to 30m. Evergreen, domed to conical tree with a tall cylindrical trunk. BARK Greyish, tough, heavily ridged and wrinkled, with numerous rings of old stem scars. BRANCHES Horizontal or slightly drooping, evenly distributed around trunk. LEAVES 3–5cm long, oval, bright glossy green and scale-like. Tip is triangular with a sharp brownish spine. Leaf base overlaps shoot and next leaf and leaves are arranged in a dense spiral on shoot. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male cones, up to 10cm long, in clusters at shoot-tips. Female cones rounded, up to 17cm long and green for first 2 years, growing on upper surface of shoots; large scales taper to a slender outwardly curved point, and conceal 4cm-long, edible brown seeds. Trees are either male or female. HABITAT AND DISTRIBUTION Native of the mountains of Chile and Argentina, first brought to Europe in 1795. Now common as an ornamental tree in parks and gardens. Grows well in towns, but prefers well-drained soils.
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  • Taiwan Cypress Chamaecyparis formosensis (Cupressaceae) HEIGHT to 16m. Distinctive evergreen. BRANCHES Upturned and U-shaped. LEAVES Greenish-bronze without white markings below. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Female flowers small, green, partly hidden by leaves. STATUS AND DISTRUBUTION Native of Taiwan, but rare there, though some large, ancient (up to 3,000 years) specimens still exist. In Britain, planted since 1910 but still rare.
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  • Taiwan Cypress Chamaecyparis formosensis (Cupressaceae) HEIGHT to 16m. Distinctive evergreen. BRANCHES Upturned and U-shaped. LEAVES Greenish-bronze without white markings below. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Female flowers small, green, partly hidden by leaves. STATUS AND DISTRUBUTION Native of Taiwan, but rare there, though some large, ancient (up to 3,000 years) specimens still exist. In Britain, planted since 1910 but still rare.
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  • Rocky Mountain Bristlecone Pine Pinus aristata (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 10m <br />
Small, slow-growing tree. LEAVES Needles, 2–4cm long, dark green, often flecked with white resin; turpentine-scented and persist for many years. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Cones, to 6cm long; 6mm-long spine on each scale. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native to Rocky Mountains, rarely planted here.
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  • Japanese Umbrella Pine Sciadopitys verticillata (Taxodiaceae) HEIGHT to 23m. Broadly conical evergreen, often with a finely tapering crown, but may be bushy. BARK Red-brown, peeling in long vertical strips. LEAVES Needle-like, up to 12cm long and borne in umbrella-like clusters. Needles are deeply grooved on both sides, dark green above, but more yellow below. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male flowers are yellow and produced in clusters; female flowers are green, and grow at tips of shoots, ripening into ovoid, 7.5cm-long, red-brown cones after 2 years. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Japan, but grows well in many parts of Britain and Europe.
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  • Goat Capra hircus Shoulder height 60-90cm Familiar domesticated animal. Feral populations established in several locations. Sure-footed on steep, broken terrain. Adult Feral Goat is shorter and stockier than domesticated forms. Coat is long, shaggy and variably coloured, often piebald mixture of grey, black and whitish. Male (billy) is larger and bulkier than female (nanny) and has recurved, ringed horns that increase in size with age. Many have a ‘beard’ and tassles on chin. Female is smaller than male, with shorter horns. Juvenile (kid) lacks horns. Voice Utters a warning whistle. Females summon their kids by bleating. Domesticated for more than 10,000 years, prized for its hair, milk, hide and meat. Probably brought to Britain by first Neolithic human settlers.
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  • Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus L 64-79cm. Our largest gull species. Bulkier than Lesser Black-backed, adult with darker back, massive bill and pink legs. Sexes are similar. Adult has almost uniformly dark back and upperwings; wingtips only marginally darker than rest of wings. Note white patch at tip of wings and broad white trailing edge. Plumage is otherwise white. Bill is yellow with an orange spot. Juvenile and 1st winter are mottled and streaked grey brown. In flight, brown upperwings have pale panels and inner primaries. Bill is dark, legs are dull pink and whitish tail is dark-tipped. Adult plumage acquired over 3 years. Voice Utters a deep kaa-ga-ga call. Status Local and coastal in the breeding season. Often nests in vicinity of mixed seabird colonies and pairs are territorial. Outside breeding season, more widespread inland and numbers boosted by migrants from N Europe.
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  • The Waxwing Bombycilla garrulus (L 18cm) is a much-admired bird, named because adults have red, wax-like projectionist on the wings. The plumage is mainly pinkish buff plumage but note the crest, black throat and black mask through the eye. The rump is grey, the undertail is chestnut and dark tail has a broad yellow tip (narrower in females than males). Waxwings breeds in northern mainland Europe and are winter visitors to Britain. In most years there are just a few records but once every decade or so they appear in large numbers. Typically, they are remarkably indifferent to people, allowing superb views to be had.
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  • Iceland Gull Larus glaucoides L 52-60cm. Similar to Glaucous but smaller, less bulky and longer-winged. Has a rounded head and rather small bill. Legs are pink at all times. Sexes are similar. Adult in winter has pale grey back and upperwings with white primaries and white trailing edge to wings. Plumage is otherwise mainly white with dark streaks on head and neck. Bill is yellowish with an orange spot. Eye is yellowish with red orbital ring. In summer, similar but without streaks. Juvenile and 1st winter are pale grey-buff with white primaries. Bill is dark with dull pink base. Adult plumage acquired over 3 years. 2nd winter is similar but paler. 3rd winter is paler still. Voice Utters a kyaoo call and anxious ga-ka-ka. Status Very scarce non-breeding visitor, mainly to coasts in late winter.
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  • Herring Gull Larus argentatus L 56-62cm. Noisy, familiar bird and our most numerous large gull species. Often follows boats. Bold when fed regularly. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has blue-grey black and upperwings, with white-spotted, black wingtips; plumage is otherwise white. Legs are pink, bill is yellow with orange spot, and eye is yellow with orange-yellow ring. In winter, similar but with dark streaks on head and nape. Juvenile and 1st winter are mottled grey-brown with streaked underparts. Legs are dull pink, bill is dark and spotted pale tail has dark tip. Adult plumage acquired over 3 years. 2nd winter bird is similar but has grey back and grey areas on upperwing. Tail is white with dark tip. 3rd winter resembles winter adult but has more black on wingtips and hint of dark tail band. Voice Utters distinctive kyaoo and anxious ga-ka-ka. Status Common, mainly coastal in summer, nesting on seacliffs and in seaside towns. Widespread and more numerous in winter due to migrant influx.
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  • Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis L 52-60cm. Similar plumage to Herring Gull but adult has yellow legs. Typically, consorts with other large gull species. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has grey back and upperwings (darker than Herring Gull) with more black and less white in wingtips. In winter, similar, sometimes with small dark streaks on head. Juvenile and 1st winter have grey-brown back and wing coverts, and otherwise dark wings. Head, neck and underparts are streaked, are paler than similar age Herring Gull. Adult plumage acquired over 3 years. Voice Similar to Herring Gull but perhaps more nasal. Status S European counterpart of Herring Gull and a rather scarce non-breeding visitor to Britain and Ireland. Most frequent in winter.
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  • Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus L 53-56cm. Similar to Herring Gull but adult has dark grey back and upperwings and bright yellow legs. Note, confusion possible with adult Yellow-legged (upperparts paler). Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has dark grey back and upperwings. Black wingtips are darker than rest of upperwing except for white trailing edge; plumage is otherwise white. Bill is yellow with orange spot. Iris is yellow and orbital ring is red. In winter, similar but with streaks on head and neck, and duller leg and bill colours. Juvenile and 1st winter have streaked and mottled grey-brown plumage, palest on head. Upperwings dark brown and whitish tail is dark-tipped. Eye and bill are dark. Adult plumage acquired over 3 years. 2nd winter similar to 1st winter but with grey back, pinkish legs and dark-tipped pink bill; 3rd winter resembles heavily streaked winter adult. Voice Utters a distinctive kyaoo and anxious ga-ka-ka. Status Locally common in summer, nesting colonially on seacliffs and islands. Most migrate S to Mediterranean outside breeding season; small numbers remain, often roosting on reservoirs.
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  • Herring Gull Larus argentatus L 56-62cm. Noisy, familiar bird and our most numerous large gull species. Often follows boats. Bold when fed regularly. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has blue-grey black and upperwings, with white-spotted, black wingtips; plumage is otherwise white. Legs are pink, bill is yellow with orange spot, and eye is yellow with orange-yellow ring. In winter, similar but with dark streaks on head and nape. Juvenile and 1st winter are mottled grey-brown with streaked underparts. Legs are dull pink, bill is dark and spotted pale tail has dark tip. Adult plumage acquired over 3 years. 2nd winter bird is similar but has grey back and grey areas on upperwing. Tail is white with dark tip. 3rd winter resembles winter adult but has more black on wingtips and hint of dark tail band. Voice Utters distinctive kyaoo and anxious ga-ka-ka. Status Common, mainly coastal in summer, nesting on seacliffs and in seaside towns. Widespread and more numerous in winter due to migrant influx.
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  • Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos W 190-225cm. Majestic raptor. Distant flight view could be confused with soaring Buzzard but note proportionately longer wings (narrow appreciably towards base) and relatively long tail. Catches Mountain Hares and Red Grouse but also feeds on carrion in winter. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly dark brown plumage with paler margins to feathers on back and golden-brown feathers on head and neck. Tail is dark-tipped and barred but can look uniformly dark in flight silhouette. Juvenile is similar to adult but has white patches at base of outer flight feathers; tail is mainly white but with broad, dark tip. Subadult gradually loses white elements of juvenile plumage by successive moults over several years. Voice Mainly silent. Status Resident of remote, upland regions, mainly in Scotland. Favours open moorland and mountains.
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  • Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos W 190-225cm. Majestic raptor. Distant flight view could be confused with soaring Buzzard but note proportionately longer wings (narrow appreciably towards base) and relatively long tail. Catches Mountain Hares and Red Grouse but also feeds on carrion in winter. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly dark brown plumage with paler margins to feathers on back and golden-brown feathers on head and neck. Tail is dark-tipped and barred but can look uniformly dark in flight silhouette. Juvenile is similar to adult but has white patches at base of outer flight feathers; tail is mainly white but with broad, dark tip. Subadult gradually loses white elements of juvenile plumage by successive moults over several years. Voice Mainly silent. Status Resident of remote, upland regions, mainly in Scotland. Favours open moorland and mountains.
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  • Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos W 190-225cm. Majestic raptor. Distant flight view could be confused with soaring Buzzard but note proportionately longer wings (narrow appreciably towards base) and relatively long tail. Catches Mountain Hares and Red Grouse but also feeds on carrion in winter. Sexes are similar. Adult has mainly dark brown plumage with paler margins to feathers on back and golden-brown feathers on head and neck. Tail is dark-tipped and barred but can look uniformly dark in flight silhouette. Juvenile is similar to adult but has white patches at base of outer flight feathers; tail is mainly white but with broad, dark tip. Subadult gradually loses white elements of juvenile plumage by successive moults over several years. Voice Mainly silent. Status Resident of remote, upland regions, mainly in Scotland. Favours open moorland and mountains.
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  • The Waxwing Bombycilla garrulus (L 18cm) is a much-admired bird, named because adults have red, wax-like projectionist on the wings. The plumage is mainly pinkish buff plumage but note the crest, black throat and black mask through the eye. The rump is grey, the undertail is chestnut and dark tail has a broad yellow tip (narrower in females than males). Waxwings breeds in northern mainland Europe and are winter visitors to Britain. In most years there are just a few records but once every decade or so they appear in large numbers. Typically, they are remarkably indifferent to people, allowing superb views to be had.
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  • Iceland Gull Larus glaucoides L 52-60cm. Similar to Glaucous but smaller, less bulky and longer-winged. Has a rounded head and rather small bill. Legs are pink at all times. Sexes are similar. Adult in winter has pale grey back and upperwings with white primaries and white trailing edge to wings. Plumage is otherwise mainly white with dark streaks on head and neck. Bill is yellowish with an orange spot. Eye is yellowish with red orbital ring. In summer, similar but without streaks. Juvenile and 1st winter are pale grey-buff with white primaries. Bill is dark with dull pink base. Adult plumage acquired over 3 years. 2nd winter is similar but paler. 3rd winter is paler still. Voice Utters a kyaoo call and anxious ga-ka-ka. Status Very scarce non-breeding visitor, mainly to coasts in late winter.
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  • Common Gull Larus canus L 40-42cm. Medium-sized gull. Slimmer bodied and smaller billed, than larger Herring Gull. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has grey back and upperwings with white trailing margin; black wingtips have white spots. Plumage is otherwise white. Bill is yellowish and legs are yellowish green. In winter, similar but with dark streaks on head and neck; bill is duller with dark sub-terminal band. Juvenile has pale-margined brown back feathers and upperwings. Head and underparts are pale with dark streaks while neck and breast look grubby. Adult plumage acquired over 2 years. 1st winter is similar to juvenile but has grey back; bill is pink with dark tip. 2nd winter is similar to adult but with more black on outerwing and broader band on bill. Voice Utters a mewing keeow. Status Locally common. Nests close to water, often inland. Outside breeding season, migrants from Europe boost numbers and then widespread on farmland and grassy fields.
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  • Common Gull Larus canus L 40-42cm. Medium-sized gull. Slimmer bodied and smaller billed, than larger Herring Gull. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has grey back and upperwings with white trailing margin; black wingtips have white spots. Plumage is otherwise white. Bill is yellowish and legs are yellowish green. In winter, similar but with dark streaks on head and neck; bill is duller with dark sub-terminal band. Juvenile has pale-margined brown back feathers and upperwings. Head and underparts are pale with dark streaks while neck and breast look grubby. Adult plumage acquired over 2 years. 1st winter is similar to juvenile but has grey back; bill is pink with dark tip. 2nd winter is similar to adult but with more black on outerwing and broader band on bill. Voice Utters a mewing keeow. Status Locally common. Nests close to water, often inland. Outside breeding season, migrants from Europe boost numbers and then widespread on farmland and grassy fields.
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  • Iceland Gull Larus glaucoides L 52-60cm. Similar to Glaucous but smaller, less bulky and longer-winged. Has a rounded head and rather small bill. Legs are pink at all times. Sexes are similar. Adult in winter has pale grey back and upperwings with white primaries and white trailing edge to wings. Plumage is otherwise mainly white with dark streaks on head and neck. Bill is yellowish with an orange spot. Eye is yellowish with red orbital ring. In summer, similar but without streaks. Juvenile and 1st winter are pale grey-buff with white primaries. Bill is dark with dull pink base. Adult plumage acquired over 3 years. 2nd winter is similar but paler. 3rd winter is paler still. Voice Utters a kyaoo call and anxious ga-ka-ka. Status Very scarce non-breeding visitor, mainly to coasts in late winter.
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  • Great Black-backed Gull - Larus marinus. L 64-79cm. Our largest gull species. Bulkier than Lesser Black-backed, adult with darker back, massive bill and pink legs. Sexes are similar. Adult has almost uniformly dark back and upperwings; wingtips only marginally darker than rest of wings. Note white patch at tip of wings and broad white trailing edge. Plumage is otherwise white. Bill is yellow with an orange spot. Juvenile and 1st winter are mottled and streaked grey brown. In flight, brown upperwings have pale panels and inner primaries. Bill is dark, legs are dull pink and whitish tail is dark-tipped. Adult plumage acquired over 3 years. Voice Utters a deep kaa-ga-ga call. Status Local and coastal in the breeding season. Often nests in vicinity of mixed seabird colonies and pairs are territorial. Outside breeding season, more widespread inland and numbers boosted by migrants from N Europe.
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  • Glaucous Gull - Larus hyperboreus - Winter Adult. L 62-68cm. Bulky, pale-looking gull. Similar size to Great Black-backed but closer to Herring in plumage terms. Note adult’s white wing tips; bill is massive and legs are pinkish at all times. Sexes are similar. Adult in winter has pale grey back and upperwings with white wingtips and trailing margin. Plumage is otherwise mainly white with variable dark streaking on head and neck. Eye has pale iris and orbital ring is yellow. In breeding plumage (sometimes seen in late winter) similar but without dark streaks. Juvenile and 1st winter are mainly pale buffish grey but very pale primaries. Pink bill is dark-tipped. Adult plumage acquired over 3 years. 2nd winter is very pale with faint streaks marbling. 3rd winter is overall paler still. Voice Utters a kyaoo and an anxious ga-ka-ka. Status Scarce non-breeding visitor, commonest on N coasts in late winter.
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  • Iceland Gull - Larus glaucoides. L 52-60cm. Similar to Glaucous but smaller, less bulky and longer-winged. Has a rounded head and rather small bill. Legs are pink at all times. Sexes are similar. Adult in winter has pale grey back and upperwings with white primaries and white trailing edge to wings. Plumage is otherwise mainly white with dark streaks on head and neck. Bill is yellowish with an orange spot. Eye is yellowish with red orbital ring. In summer, similar but without streaks. Juvenile and 1st winter are pale grey-buff with white primaries. Bill is dark with dull pink base. Adult plumage acquired over 3 years. 2nd winter is similar but paler. 3rd winter is paler still. Voice Utters a kyaoo call and anxious ga-ka-ka. Status Very scarce non-breeding visitor, mainly to coasts in late winter.
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  • Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus L 64-79cm. Our largest gull species. Bulkier than Lesser Black-backed, adult with darker back, massive bill and pink legs. Sexes are similar. Adult has almost uniformly dark back and upperwings; wingtips only marginally darker than rest of wings. Note white patch at tip of wings and broad white trailing edge. Plumage is otherwise white. Bill is yellow with an orange spot. Juvenile and 1st winter are mottled and streaked grey brown. In flight, brown upperwings have pale panels and inner primaries. Bill is dark, legs are dull pink and whitish tail is dark-tipped. Adult plumage acquired over 3 years. Voice Utters a deep kaa-ga-ga call. Status Local and coastal in the breeding season. Often nests in vicinity of mixed seabird colonies and pairs are territorial. Outside breeding season, more widespread inland and numbers boosted by migrants from N Europe.
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