Splitters

Katona’s Gull (Larus Atomicus Kittenoides)

Previously a race of Iceland Gull, Katona’s Gull is best identified by its slightly larger size and prodigious breeding rate. It is also in possession of a much darker mantle than Iceland Gull having been continually exposed to regular sun showers that are common to its locality. The bill is also heavier than the Iceland Gull allowing the bird to tackle the remains of large discarded cheap supermarket food items that are its staple diet (unlike Caspain Gull that feeds exclusively on the remains of Donar Kebabs). There is one record annually, usually around the Merseyside area.

The paragraph above is clearly drivel, yet having read news of the Azorean Yellow-Legged Gull at Didcot, the boundaries between science and parody are becoming increasingly blurred. Forgive my ignorance, but this hitherto unknown species/race of Gull has failed to register on my radar. Now, I like a Glacous Gull or an Iceland Gull as much as the next person, but is it just me or is this relentless and obsessive categorisation of Laridae going too far?

Then there is also the predilection some birders have for the mind-numbing activity of spending hours searching through thousands of gulls – often near rubbish dumps - for that something a little different. No little skill is involved in this, but with the rich variety of bird life available I simply cannot be bothered – especially when it involves a long drive with no guarantee that the bird will be present. Surely it would be easier going to the Azores?

Until later.