ML159467931

Observation details

Did our very best to keep track of individuals, but may have miscounted individuals. Photos of all birds. Six (including 2 pairs) were very dark and almost Kelp-like, three were paler and more herring-like. The darker birds were broadly similar in back color to a Lesser Black-backed, but structurally more like Herring. Birds with almost every possible back color observed from those dark LBBG-like birds to almost Herring-like. Leg color was generally greenish, with a few birds showing some pink, particularly on the feet. All the adults seen were in full breeding aspect, with white heads almost lacking streaking and bright bare part colors. Orbital rings seemed to be various shades of yellow or yellow-orange, as was the gape. The eyes were invariably yellow. Many otherwise adult-like birds had small spots of black in the outer wing coverts and/or the tail. One or two (will need to review photos) sub-adult birds, roughly 3rd/4th cycles seen, but all others looked mostly or fully adult. The two sets of obviously paired birds were some of the darkest birds seen, possibly explaining why the dark phenotype has persisted this long. The pairs would stay in a small area of beach and spent most of their time harassing Laughing Gulls, presumably to try and get them to leave their nests so the Chandeleur Gulls could steal the eggs. This provided many good photo opportunities, as the Chandeleur Gulls were otherwise occupied and didn't seem to care about our presence.