ML365957331

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

I was able to get some great photos and looks, and posted some here that show bill structure, head structure, etc. really well. The bill doesn't give the GBBG impression because the slighter gonydeal angle, and the head and neck are not overwhelmingly broad/thick looking. I dug into the bill characteristics a bit more with Sibley's and Gulls Simplified...2nd cycle LBBGs typically have a dark bill with a pale tip and base of lower mandible (fits perfectly on this bird) as opposed to mainly pinkish bill in typical 2nd cycle GBBG. I think this is an early 2nd cycle based on plumage. I've seen a lot LBBGs of varying ages at the amazing landfill I lived close to in KY, and most subadults overall look pretty dingy in regards to the mantle whereas 1st/2nd cycle GBBGs should look cleaner, especially with the patterned mantle. That said, this bird gives me very strong LBBG vibes in both structure and plumage.

Technical information

Model

NIKON D500

ISO

1000

Focal length

600 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire

f-stop

f/6.3

Shutter speed

1/1600 sec

Dimensions

4562 pixels x 3041 pixels

Original file size

1.63 MB