Gulls & Terns in Hertfordshire

9 species matching this filter.

All birds in HertfordshireView family page

Hertfordshire may be an inland county, but its reservoirs, gravel pits and river valleys attract a surprising variety of gulls and terns throughout the year. Nine species have been recorded, ranging from familiar residents such as the European Herring Gull and Lesser Black-backed Gull to exciting passage migrants like the Arctic Tern and Black Tern. Key sites including Tring Reservoirs and the Lee Valley offer excellent opportunities to observe these birds, particularly during spring and autumn migration.

Black Tern
Black TernSmallest · 22cm
to
Great Black-backed Gull
Great Black-backed GullLargest · 79cm
Ranges from the Black Tern (22cm) to the Great Black-backed Gull (79cm)5 year-round residents
Arctic Tern

Arctic Tern

Sterna paradisaeaLC

A rare spring passage migrant, occasionally dropping in at reservoirs during April. Sightings are brief as birds continue their northward journey.

Apr

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Black Tern

Black Tern

Chlidonias nigerLC

A rare spring passage migrant, occasionally seen hawking over reservoirs in May. An exciting find for Hertfordshire birders.

May

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Common Gull

Common Gull

Larus canusLC

Common across the county, frequenting playing fields, reservoirs and farmland. Numbers peak in winter with an influx of northern birds.

Jul–May

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Common Tern

Common Tern

Sterna hirundoLC

A common breeding summer visitor, nesting on rafts and islands at reservoirs and gravel pits from April to September.

Apr–Sep

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
European Herring Gull

European Herring Gull

Larus argentatusLC

Common year-round, frequenting reservoirs, playing fields and landfill sites. Numbers peak in winter when joined by birds from further north.

Year-round

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Great Black-backed Gull

Great Black-backed Gull

Larus marinusLC

An uncommon but regular visitor to reservoirs and landfill sites, present most months except midsummer. Numbers peak during the winter period.

Aug–May

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Lesser Black-backed Gull

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscusLC

A common year-round resident, seen over towns, at reservoirs and on farmland. Numbers increase notably during autumn passage.

Year-round

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Little Gull

Little Gull

Hydrocoloeus minutusLC

A rare spring passage migrant, occasionally dropping in at reservoirs during April. A delicate gull that rarely lingers in the county.

Apr

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

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Yellow-legged Gull

Yellow-legged Gull

Larus michahellisLC

A rare passage visitor, occasionally picked out among large gull flocks at reservoirs and tips in early spring and winter.

Jul–Apr

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

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