I identified an adult California gull at Neabsco Creek this afternoon. The
bird was larger than ring-billed, but smaller than herring, both of which were
alongside. Its mantle was darker than herring, but lighter than a nearby
lesser black-backed. Nape and sides of neck were mottled with brown smudges.
Black and red mark on bill clearly seen. Eye appeared dark, but could not nail
this down before bird was flushed by an eagle.
Marc Ribaudo
Woodbridge, VA
