Looks like the first attempt did not come out very well, so will try agian
Hi All,
A week ago Friday I posted about seeing a dark gull, which Paul Sullivan and I
eventually concluded was a dark California Gull, and I included one pic. A few
of you responded with doubts that this is what it was, being way too dark, and
I have to admit my conscience has bothered me. My first thoughts was it must
be a Lesser Black Backed Gull.
Since then I asked Dave Irons to look over 5 pics of it, and along with my
comments, he and Shawneen feel confident it is a Lesser BB Gull.
The main points of ID were:
1) The dark color.
2) The size is right, when compared to the pink legged gulls with which it was
photoed
3) Yellow legs
4) The right shape
We could never see that the iris was light in color, but at over 100 yards, I
am not sure this is possible, especially at 200 yards. Also, I think the
reason why Paul and I were swayed to California Gull was the bill. While we
could see the red gony, we could also see that the end, or near the end of the
upper bill was a dark area as well. But that part has haunted me because we
did discuss the likely hood of it being mud since it had been probing for
worms. It did have some darkish streaking on the neck, less so about the head,
with a smudge in the eye area.
Otherwise, I did see it fly once and the contrast between the black primaries
and the rest of the upper wing was not great, certainly not as contrasty as the
typical Californian. Also, I only saw one small white spot near/at the end of
the first primary.
With all that said, I have one question - If it was not a Lesser Black Backed
Gull, what was it?
I felt with the rain last night, the gulls might as least be in the same area
today, and they were. However, the suspect in question was not there. After
scoping the gulls for 20 minutes, who should come by but Dave and Shawneen.
After talking to them a little more, I will be sending in a report to the ORBC.
Also, in hindsight, I wish I had been a little more doubtful of calling it a
Cal Gull, as this may have prevented some from checking on it themselves. It
might still be around. The weatherman is calling for rain for this week, so
this is likely to keep the gulls in the area. I will try to add another pic
here since this is permissible now.
If Paul wants to give his thoughts, he knows he is welcome to.
Bill Tice: Birding - The best excuse for getting outdoors, and avoiding chores.
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