Perfect statement: "so it doesn't matter for the species identification, but
still is an interesting challenge (in a gull nerd sort of way)." It's an
Iceland....
Cheers
Drew Haffenden
________________________________
From: ALbirds@xxxxxxxxx <ALbirds@xxxxxxxxx> on behalf of Greg D. Jackson via
groups.io <g_d_jackson=bellsouth.net@xxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Sunday, February 5, 2023 4:27:03 PM
To: AL Birds <ALbirds@xxxxxxxxx>
Cc: shoalsbirder@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <shoalsbirder@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [ALbirds] Iceland Gull photos from Wilson Dam yesterday
AL and Shoals Birders:
As I said in notes to ALBIRDS yesterday, an adult Iceland Gull was below Wilson
Dam yesterday morning. The bird was on the southernmost concrete wall extending
from the dam in a row of Herring and Ring-billed gulls facing me as I was
scoping from the south overlook. What attracted my attention initially is a
mark I've found helpful in detection of these in a crowd -- white or nearly
white underside to the tip of the folded wing (compared to the black and white
patterns shown by Herring and Ring-billed). Once I was clued in to this
feature, other identifying characters could be seen, and occasionally it would
stretch a wing to show the under-primary pattern. After a short period it
started feeding below the dam, unfortunately staying at distance but still
allowing some photos of the wing pattern. Sue Moske refound it that afternoon,
but I haven't seen any reports from today.
Though many features are good for Thayer's, I believe this bird likely has some
intergradation with Kumlien's based on the wing pattern above and below. Both
are now ensconced under the moniker of Iceland, so it doesn't matter for the
species identification, but still is an interesting challenge (in a gull nerd
sort of way).
I've uploaded some distant photos with explanations of many of the characters
useful for identifying Thayer's in general, and discussing the Kumlien's issue.
We don't get the opportunity to study an adult often in Alabama, so this was a
fun experience. Photos begin at:
ICGU ad 020423 Wilson Dam Lauderdale Co AL GregDJackson - 4632b.jpg photo -
Greg D. Jackson photos at pbase.com<https://pbase.com/gdjackson/image/173363427>
Greg
Greg D. Jackson
Birmingham, AL
g_d_jackson@xxxxxxxxxxxxx<mailto:g_d_jackson@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
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