THE BIRDS OF SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE
THE BIRDS OF SOUTH
GLOUCESTERSHIRE
ICELAND GULL – Larus glaucoides
As with all reports of rare and scarce birds they are subject to ratification by the respective rarities committees
Iceland Gull is a large gull which breeds in the arctic regions of Canada and Greenland but not Iceland where it is a winter visitor. It is migratory wintering from in the North Atlantic as far south as the British Isles and northernmost states of the eastern USA. It is apparently much scarcer in Europe than the similar Glaucous Gull. The term 'glaucous' is from the Latin 'glaucus' and the Greek 'glaukos' and refers to the colouration; 'a pale greyish or bluish green' or 'having a frosted look'.
There have been fourteen Iceland Gull's reported from S. Gloucestershire, they are;
1940: (1)
On February 23rd at Stoke Gifford. An immature bird was identified at Stoke Gifford. When first seen it was soaring directly overhead in company with a number of young Herring Gulls with which it corresponded in size but differed noticeably in the entirely transparent appearance of the primary feathers. Later, as the bird heeled over, identification was further confirmed by the creamy white upper parts and the absence of any black on the wing-tips. This occurrence constitutes the first record of this species for South Gloucestershire.
1977: (1)
One was reported at Severn Beach on March 5th.
1984: (1)
On February 11th one was located at Northwick Warth and stayed in the area until March 8th.
1988: (1)
A 1st winter was found on January 3rd at New Passage.
1989: (1)
A 1st summer was seen in flight and heading north-east on May 13th at New Passage.
1996: (1)
One was found on March 17th at Oldbury Power Station and presumably the same individual was noted again on June 30th and July 17th.
1998: (1)
One was seen at Oldbury Power Station on February 15th.
1999: (2)
On January 5th a juvenile/ 1st winter was found at Severn Beach; One was found on October 9th at Oldbury Power Station.
2000: (4)
On January 23rd one was seen at Northwick Warth; One seen on February 1st at Stoke Gifford Tip and was present in the area until February 13th; Two were present on February 17th - 18th at Oldbury Power Station with one present until February 24th, it was seen again on March 5th.
2004: (1)
On December 26th a probable 2nd winter was noted on the shore near the jetty at Oldbury Power Station.