Black-headed gull

This photograph of a black-headed gull was taken in February, a time of year when usually only slight remnants of the bird's black (actually dark brown) hood is visible. It was part of a flock numbering about twenty. Some of them were more advanced in acquiring their black heads with newly grown dark feathers starting to cover the sides, top and back of their heads. Only by the end of March will most black-headed gulls have their full breeding plumage. This gull's vantage point on the top of a river level gauge on the River Wye at Ross on Wye was a windy spot and the bird adopted this streamlined shape to keep its balance. A couple of days after I took this photograph I passed the gauge when a kingfisher was perched in exactly the same position. Unfortunately it sped off before I could bring my camera to bear on it.

photo © T. Boughen     Camera: Lumix FZ1000 2

Black-headed gull

When the dark chocolate brown (not black) cap of the black-headed gull disappears and is replaced by a couple of dark, scuff-like makings I know that summer is past and the colder months lie ahead. Similarly, when those disappear and the hood makes its re-appearance in stages until the striking hood is complete, by the end of March, I am reminded that sun and warmth are on their way. This young example of the species caught my eye when it was lit by the low winter sun against a dark watery background on Newent Lake in Gloucestershire.

photo © T. Boughen     Camera: Nikon P900