This bird was ringed (banded) in 1995 as a chick in central Denmark and we saw this bird yesterday near Congleton, Cheshire. This makes the bird almost 30 years of age which is the BTO longevity for Chroicocephalus ridibundus. This is the first time this bird has been re-sighted and recorded since the day it was ringed. The individual appeared healthy so I don't see why it won't make it until 30.
@Summer Tanager Me and my friend took a good 15 minutes trying to read the ring and we are very thankful that we did as it came back as the first record of the bird since its initial ringing back in 1995. Never overlook a bird, no matter how common, and always check and report the ring numbers.
I agree - there can be some great stories there! I had no idea that your observation was the first re-sighting of that gull! That's great and it's a lucky break for everyone that you took the time to read the band number and report it!
