ML126235021

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Media notes

Time on the photo is 12:06pm.

Observation details

Mega surprise,,,darker underwings contrasted with lighter upper side; could see small dark bill and dark eye on pale face; pink on underside could be seen in photos; photos...(consulted with Steve Mirick by text while still on the fishing boat!). The bird was seen just after noon, while the boat was engaged in fishing and we were basically stationary in the water. A lat/long reading was taken on a GPS device shortly thereafter (about 12:15 PM). It read: 42.879629 -70.208193 42° 52' 46.6644'' N 70° 12' 29.4948'' W We were aboard a fishing charter run by Eastman's out of Seabrook Harbor, NH, aboard the vessel the M/V Lady Merrilee III. The boat departed Seabrook Harbor at 7AM, and traveled for 2 hours out to the fishing grounds on Jeffreys Ledge. We birded from the upper deck, while approx. 40 people fished from the lower deck. The fishing was so good that the boat remained in the same location until the return trip. Michael spotted the bird toward the rear (stern) of the boat, and commented that there was something different flying toward us. We all got on the bird and had good views of it, noting the small size, long pointed wings, dark under-wing, light gray upper-wing, white head, and pinkish hue to the body. Zeke called out that it was something interesting and to make sure we were getting photos, which we were already doing. The gull was originally seen flying low over the water as it passed the stern, and came up the starboard side. It gained altitude as it arced toward the bow and headed north. We watched until it was out of sight.

Technical information

Model

Canon EOS 7D Mark II

Lens

EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM

ISO

500

Focal length

400 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire, auto

f-stop

f/8.0

Shutter speed

1/640 sec

Dimensions

847 pixels x 565 pixels

Original file size

148.86 KB