There seem to be two types of Med. Gull. Those which congregate in post-breeding flocks, often seen along the coast between Llanrhystud and Llanon and individual birds, generally adults, found at scattered locations along the coast. Some individuals are remarkably faithfull to certain sites and one Med. Gull has been coming to Borth for at least 8 years. It was back there this morning on its favoured patch of beach by the toilet block infront of the Tourist Info. Office.
I first noticed it in October 2002. As well as the usual little silver ring it had a large green leg ring, marked 31Y.
It had been ringed as a three-year old near Antwerp in April 2001 and every year appears at Borth in July and remains with us until the following January. (It has been seen venturing south to Clarach and Llanrhystud).
On its return to us in July 2006 I noticed that its green ring was splitting. The bird which has returned to the same spot of sand in July over the following years has a silver ring but no green one but I am sure that it is 31Y, making it, if my maths in correct, 12 years old!