Iceland Gull - 1990 onwards

Larus glaucoides

Estimated number of individuals per year - as birds move around, it is often impossible to be certain about totals.  

2007 was an exceptional year with 61 individuals recorded in Wales, with 29 in Pembrokeshire alone.  Many stayed into early 2008, including 5 first winter birds roosting together at Llys-y-fran reservoir.

2102 - An influx in January-March (seen across north-west Europe) was linked to a stormy period of north-westerly winds during the last week of 2011.

2014 - Large influx starting mid-January with some individuals staying until the end of February

Records extracted from the Pembrokeshire and Welsh Bird Reports

Iceland Gull - 1994

Rare visitor. Not recorded from June to August

This gull was first recorded at Nolton Haven on 25 September 1955 (E. Crouch) followed by 24 single birds in ten years between 1973 and 1992. The earliest arrival was on 25 September 1955 and the latest on 5 May 1989, the majority being seen between January and March. All were in coastal localities, including Skokholm and the Smalls, the most favoured being Fishguard -Harbour, Llanstadwell and the Gann. Birds of all ages have been involved but 78% were first- year birds.

A hybrid seen at Strumble Head on 1 April 1991 was thought to be an Iceland/Herring Gull cross.

Donovan J.W. & Rees G.H (1994), Birds of Pembrokeshire

Iceland Gull: 1980s winter atlas

The BTO winter atlas showed that single Iceland Gulls were present in two 10km squares during the winters of 1981-82, 1982-82 and 1983-84.

Graham Rees