Gorgeous gull release!

One of Lucy's favourite ever animal releases was this beautiful black-headed gull! The observant amongst you will have noticed that he dosen't actually have a black head...that's because he's a juvenile, but he will get his black face with his summer plumage, then each subsequent winter the black will shrink to a spot behind the eye. This guy was rescued on a golf course. He had presumably already been 'grounded' when he was grabbed by a dog and had characteristic puncture wounds on each side of his head. After treatment he put on weight well, but had been getting decidely restless on the nursery pond, so the decision was made that today would be the day for his release. Lucy and Jean caught him up expertly and carried him to our 'flight test area' (otherwise known as Simon's tennis court). After a pre-release pose he took to the air...only to land just a few yards away. Was he not really ready? No, he was fine, and had just spotted a juicy worm which he promptly grabbed and gobbled down. He then proceeded to march about the court, catching and eating several more worms until he was good and ready. Then, this free spirit decided to lift off into the stiff breeze. He was soon soaring into the sky and gave us a great fly-past by way of a 'goodbye and thanks for all the fish'...and worms!
Lucy "Really really gorgeous release - definitely ranks amongst my favourites ever. So lovely so see him soaring on the thermals and wonderful he filled his face once more before leaving hehe! Will never forget it :D"

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