Common Gull Larus canus

Common breeding summer visitor in Shetland, not so for Foula. Mainly a passage migrant and winter visitor

A single pair in 1948 represents the first breeding record for the island (Furness, 1983). Since this date the number of breeding pairs has never been known to exceed 12, although more recent data would be welcome.

The species has been recorded throughout most months of the year, although winter records are practically non existent. Counts are usually no higher than the early twenties to thirties, mainly over March to May and during autumn passage.

The record count is of 200 on the 11^th August, 1996 and there were 40 on the 12^th May, 1997.