Mediterranean Gull
Larus melanocephalus

© Bob Ford/Nature Portfolio     Adult Med Gull in winter

Look this up in a bird book and it will probably say something like "rare winter visitor", but recent years have seen a remarkable invasion of this species all along the Channel coast. Stood in a flock of other gulls it is easily missed but when it flies you're bound to notice its pure white wings and rounded wing-shape. If you do see one look out for any rings on its legs. We often see Belgian-ringed Med Gulls around Weymouth. On the Rodwell Trail you are most likely to see one from Downclose Embankment in the winter.