THE BIRDS OF SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE
THE BIRDS OF SOUTH
GLOUCESTERSHIRE
FRANKLIN'S GULL – Larus pipixcan
As with all reports of
rare and scarce birds they are subject to ratification by the respective
rarities committees Franklin's
Gull breeds in the central provinces of Canada and adjacent states of the northern
USA. It is migratory wintering in the Caribbean, Peru and Chile. It was named
after the Arctic explorer Sir John Franklin. The first
British and Western Palearctic record of Franklin's Gull was seen at Farlington
Marshes in Hampshire on February 21s 1970.
There have been
three Franklin's Gull reported from S. Gloucestershire, they are;
1984: (1)
On May 19th one was identified at Severn Beach. It was considered to be a second summer/adult. This occurrence constitutes the first record of this species for S. Gloucestershire and was the 12th British record.
1988: (1)
An adult was found on June 12th on the north side of New Pill at Chittening Warth.
2000: (1)
On April 10th a 2nd winter bird was located on the flood meadows in front of the 'Chocolate Factory' beside the R. Avon at Willsbridge. It was the 40th record of this species in Britain and was still present on April 11th.