Fly Past

Leggy on the 17th October 2005, having completed the moult to 3rd-winter. This shot admirably illustrates the transition period between juvenile and adult plumages. The pale-grey colouration on the birds mantle, scapulars, inner primaries and some of the coverts reflect the eventual adult colouration, whereas the bill colour as well as remaining brown colouration of feathers indicates immaturity. Additionally the eye is not as pale as an adult bird, although it is now significantly paler than in earlier plumages.