Audouin's Gulls Ichthyaetus audounii are not the only gulls now leaving the Mediterranean for the rich waters of the Atlantic (post of 10th July). The attractive Mediterranean Gulls Icthyaetus melanocephalus are also on the move.
Many of the birds coming past are adults, with very worn plumage after breeding and already in head moult
Juveniles, noticeably browner and greyer than the adults, follow the adults on migration (above) though often adults also travel without youngsters (below)
Immature birds are also moving. Above is a first summer bird already going into second winter plumage. Below is a second summer bird, looking almost like an adult but with black outer primaries
Also moving out of the Mediterranean are Black-headed Gulls Chroicocephalus ridibundus, and they travel in larger groups, of adults and juveniles.
