Dutch Birding volume 26 (2004) no 5

Common Gull in Groningen more than 33 years old

Since 1988, a ringed Common Gull Larus canus canus has been regularly observed in and around the city of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands. The first observation was on 26 December 1988, followed by sightings in the winters of 1995/96, 1996/97, 2000/01, 2002/03 and 2003/04. So far, the last observation was on 25 March 2004. The bird, presumably a female, was ringed as a nestling on 24 June 1970 on Amager, Sjælland, Denmark, 33 years, nine months and one day before the last sighting. This recovery constitutes the oldest Common Gull for Europe. Other records of old Common Gulls are summarized and a brief comparison is made with longevity in other European gull species.

Klaas van Dijk, Vermeerstraat 48, 9718 SN Groningen, The Netherlands
(klaas.vdijkhetnet.nl)
Derick Hiemstra, Damsterwaard 9, 9734 CK Groningen, The Netherlands
(derickhiemstrahetnet.nl)