Further to the discussion on the Lesser Black-backed Gull, here are some links to papers that were sent to me recently. Kind Regards Michael
https://workspaces.acrobat.com/?d=UqkKzfh*aqfJczcO1A-a6w
https://workspaces.acrobat.com/?d=xUENGni5YORWPzsaoXS-DQ
https://workspaces.acrobat.com/?d=j2smIXn5KXNMhV-5OxY80w
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Thanks Michael for that interesting information.
Given that there is overlap in the range of the Kelp (Cape) Gull and wintering Baltic Gulls (L. f. fuscus), that Nikolas provided evidence that a Kelp Gull can breed with other species (Kelp Gull x American Herring Gull in North America), and that there still seems to be a debate about the physical characteristics of the mystery gull, I reaffirm my hypothesis that the bird at Broome could be a Baltic x Cape Gull hybrid. For that to be true, it would mean that a Baltic Gull would have needed to extend its winter stay along the east coast of southern Africa into the breeding season of the Cape Gull. There’s been strong (cyclonic) winds over the Indian Ocean over the last couple of weeks, so it’s not inconceivable that a Baltic x Cape Gull hybrid (if one exists) has been blown across from the eastern coastline of southern African to the Australian coastline.
But I agree with Jeff that the combined probability of all that happening and then being found in WA by a birdwatcher is extremely slim – but still possible.
Cheers (from rookie gull watcher), Stephen
Dr Stephen Ambrose Principal Ornithologist Ambrose Ecological Services Pty Ltd Ryde, NSW