Lesser Black-backed Gull 2
Swift 9N
Sand Martin c.105E
Swallow c.12
Sedge Warbler 2 juv.
Blackcap 1
Juvenile Sedge Warblers at Beachy
Sedge Warblers don't undergo a post-juvenile moult and juveniles can be aged by the fine speckling to their breast-sides. In western Europe peak Autumn passage coincides with high densities of plum-reed aphids, a short-lived and unpredictable food-source. Movement begins in July, with dispersal to pre-migratory feeding-grounds, adults preceding juveniles. Whilst considerable numbers gather at reed-beds along the south coast, not all are able to accumulate sufficient fat reserves in one area, and ringing recoveries show short-distance movements (mostly juveniles) both east and west. Emigration from Britain is probably underway by early August (BWP).
Princes Park
Yellow-legged Gull 1 juv.
Its only the 12th July and the first of the second-generation scapulars are already just visible - Herring and Lesser Black-backed Gulls don't commence replacing their scapulars until September.
Juvenile Yellow-legged Gull at Princes Park
White-headed, dark-masked, hefty blunt-tipped black bill, white nose-band, whitish ground colour to its underparts, virtually solid brown tertials with their narrow white fringes not reaching the feather bases, a couple of second generation scapulars just visible, wholly dark-centred outer greater coverts, dark underwing-coverts, long primary projection, pale lower back, dark shin-pads and eye-catching tail pattern.
Juvenile Herring Gull at Princes Park
The first fully-fledged individuals we've seen this year were present
