The Heysham Czech-ringed Med Gull

An above the knee metal ring, especially with the "Praha" & "EX" part of the address/ring number reduced in size, is a bit of a challenge. This bird was first seen on the outfalls and considered a non-starter. However, unlike most juveniles, which move on at the end of August, this bird stayed and discovered the lucrative scraps along the north harbour wall. It became a 'Bread Med' and the ring number fairly easy to read.

Ringing history:
EX78711
Ringed: Chomoutov, Olomoucky, CZECH REPUBLIC Pullus 3/6/03
Seen Heysham harbour and area 24/8/03-26/3/04
Seen Heysham harbour and area 22/7/04-9/3/05
Seen Heysham harbour and area 20/7/05-6/3/06
Seen Heysham harbour and area 8/7/06-6/3/07
Seen Heysham harbour and area 4/8/07-9/3/08
Seen Heysham harbour and area 12/7/08-present

Note the consistent spring departure dates once it was 2nd S/Ad.

Jon Barber's pic from the Heysham Obs archive of a group of Meds & one BH Gull on the north harbour wall - the bird in question is the only adult! Thanks for this Jon.