Saturday 15 January 2011

Identification of Slaty-backed Gull

Despite what some so-called experts might tell you, this is actually very straightforward. Does the gull in question look like this?


If so, then you’re in luck – that’s a Slaty-backed Gull alright. You can add it to your list and everyone will look up to you.

If, however, it looks like this:


Then someone's fucked up big time. This is the closely related, but sadly much commoner Salty-backed Gull, often found hanging around outside seaside fish and chip shops (OK, it doesn't look much like salt, but what do you expect for 5 minutes pissing around in Photoshop?). And if you still need that, then you’re a fucking tart.

12 comments:

Mark said...

This bird appears to have moulted its ridge tiles!

The Leicester Llama said...

Well spotted, Mark. Yes, the lack of ridge tiles points strongly to it being a genuine vagrant rather than an escape - these would have become detached as it was being blown off course by strong winds. I shall be accepting it onto Category A of the British List immediately.

Pete Woodruff said...

It takes a lifetime to come across everything on the Internet and I just came across you 'Leicester Llama' and have to say that this 'ID of the Salty-backed Gull' is brilliant.

beast said...

Having just returned from dipping on this salty-backed rubbish-tossing turd-eating gull...i was in need of a good chuckle...[cheers Andy]...!

I will post a full report on how we saw absolutely fucking nothing all day if you like...birding as we were..pressed up against a fence like a loada convicts whilst smelling the delights of a shit tip in a force 6 wind.....

Highlight was Roger Brett fainting and an ambulance arriving...[and i was hoping for a burger van]...

ps...seriously...hope Mr.Brett is okay....!

Phil Slade said...

LOL Big Time but aren't you impressed with a potential tick?

James said...

great blog post :-)

Judge Dredd said...

Never mind the ridge tiles it looks like the f**king pikeys have had the lead away!! Some great post on the Birdforum thread and best so far is "How many times have people been at a potential dip and looked round at the crowd and thought is anyone actually looking anymore!"

eddy said...

Brilliant Post. I'm still trying to find Sea Gull in the ID books 'cos I'm sure I saw one the other day!

hummerman said...

Absolutely priceless my northern neighbour,as an aside,my girlfriend who has just started showing an interest in birds,stated all the gulls i see are white winged,whats the problem??

Rob said...

I need fish and chip shop rather than Salty-backed Gull. But that's because I live a million miles away from the nearest fish and chip shop. Do I win a prize? (If so, I'd rather have a kebab or a KFC)

Jeff Higgott said...

That was no 'shit tip', Beast. that was an Integrated Waste Management Facility.

Ernest said...

It can't be a coincidence that " to gull" means to fool somebody, or draw them in to some practical joke or whatever. Twenty minutes with a sheet of graph paper will show you that the number of gull species will reach the 10,000 mark around 2040, with many that you can't colour in, including Slick Gull, Shit Gull and Cliff Lift Gull.The Churn Gull has copied the Blue Tit's idea of nicking milk, but on a much larger scale. Look out for it folks.But remember, you can't colour it in.tocalize