ML129689021

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

Three observers watched for about three minutes while Jaeger harassed gulls. Flight rather falconlike, sharp turns, dives, aggressive behavior. Bird observed to be significantly smaller than Herring Gull, but proportionately longer in the wing. Small tail extension observed. Large white patch under wing, less white above wing. Body dark with a lighter rusty band behind neck. Appears to be an intermediate or dark juvenile or second summer. Pomarine would be same as or larger than Ring-billed Gull, with two crescents in the outer wing and lacking the rusty band on the neck. Long-tailed Jaeger has less white in wing, is smaller, and only outer two primaries have white on the top of the wing. All Gulls ruled out since a dark bodied gull, such as young Herring, would not display white wing patches, and would not harass other gulls for the length of time we observed. References: Sibley iPhone app, Skuas and Jaegers of the World (Olsen & Larsson) Experience: Two previous sightings of Parasitic in Ottawa County, several adults of all three Jaegers in Alaska. See photos.

Technical information

Dimensions

586 pixels x 525 pixels

Original file size

194.81 KB