THE BIRDS OF SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE
RING-BILLED GULL – Larus delawarensis
As with all reports of rare and scarce birds they are subject to ratification by the respective rarities committees
Ring-billed Gull is a regular wanderer to western Europe and in Ireland and Great Britain it is no longer classed as a rarity with several birds regularly wintering in these countries. In the late 19th century this bird was hunted for its plumage. Its population has since rebounded and it is probably the most common gull in North America. The first record of Ring-billed Gull in Britain occurred as recently as March 1973 when an adult was discovered at Blackpill in Glamorgan.
There have been four Ring-billed Gull's reported from S. Gloucestershire, they are;
1987: (1)
On February 28th a 1st winter was identified at New Passage. This occurrence constitutes the first record of this species in S. Gloucestershire.
1994: (1)
On October 2nd a 2nd winter was found at Oldbury Power Station.
1997: (1)
On the October 12th a 1st winter was located at Northwick Warth.
2008: (1)
A winter adult was present at Shortwood Landfill Site near Emerson's Green from February 27th - 28th (ST:681 769).
Winter adult Ring-billed Gull at Shortwood Landfill Site. February 2008. © Peter Rock.