Local birders have been treated to another striking gull visitor to Cardiff Bay in recent days, this time an adult Little gull (Hydrocoloeus minutus). They can often be seen locally at this time of year as they move from their over-wintering locations to their breeding grounds but they can be difficult to spot, especially if they are flying in the centre of the Bay.

These are the smallest gulls in the whole wide world – compare the size of the Little gull perched on the buoys with the Black-headed gull standing next to it. Their size is one distinguishing feature, but the best way to pick out the adults is from their wing colours, light grey with a white edging on top, very dark grey with that white edging underneath. The wing shape – often described as paddle-shaped – is also distinctive.