In the '10 lifers' thread Birdman mentioned that some people may not allow him Yellow-legged Gull. Why is this? Is there some doubt about the validity of the bird as a species in its own right?
Currently yellow-legged gull is not considered buy the BOU to be a full species. This seems likely to change at somepoint in the future, though who knows when, many other countries treat it as a full species. From what I've heard the area is being looked at, I'd not be suprised if we see both yellow-legged and Caspian split off soon.
Although I've seen both yellow-legged and Caspian neither are on my Brit list, as like others I try to keep mine inline with BOU, seems the most obvious standard. I do however always note down sighting of yl gull when out birding, full species or not it's still worth a look. IMO each yl gull will not suddenly be come more interestnig if it is split out (woudl help the year list though).
[QUOTE=postcardcv]Currently yellow-legged gull is not considered buy the BOU to be a full species. This seems likely to change at somepoint in the future, though who knows when, many other countries treat it as a full species. From what I've heard the area is being looked at, I'd not be suprised if we see both yellow-legged and Caspian split off soon.
Although I've seen both yellow-legged and Caspian neither are on my Brit list, as like others I try to keep mine inline with BOU, seems the most obvious standard. I do however always note down sighting of yl gull when out birding, full species or not it's still worth a look. IMO each yl gull will not suddenly be come more interestnig if it is split out (woudl help the year list though).[/QUOTE]
Thanks for explaining the situation. Since I live in France and travel around Europe a bit and the bird is listed by Collins as a separate species I don't feel the need to abide by BOU criteria, even though I hail from dear old England. Anyway, Larus (cachinnans) michahellis is on my life and year lists and I'm not letting it go!