ML611466777

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

(This is my first posting of this species in the US. I'd appreciate any confirmation or correction.) I first thought this bird was a Bonaparte's Gull, as it was consorting with a small flock of BOGU. Only the next day, when I was processing my photos, did I realize that it was a different species. About 50% larger than a BOGU, with a brick-red tinge to the inner majority of the bill. Sandy edges to the folded wings. The head seems more peaked than a BOGU. Also, the head shows an eye-to-eye band going over the head. I considered a basic-plumage Laughing Gull, but eBird photos I've seen show a heavier black bill and a vaguer black spot behind the eye, if any. Please see photos, including a few that include neighboring BOGU for comparison.

Technical information

Model

NIKON D7200

ISO

800

Focal length

500 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire

f-stop

f/5.6

Shutter speed

1/500 sec

Dimensions

4288 pixels x 2859 pixels

Original file size

3.28 MB