ML613104858

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

I was standing at the far east side of the park by the boat ramp around 1:30pm. Then heard distant gulls. I was plaining to call it a day, but raised my binoculars almost on a whim to get a distant view of the point. Then I immediately caught glimpse of a bigger dark juvenile gull flying above the assembling Ring-billeds. California Gull came to mind as it was very dark and lanky looking. Did not have the bulky/hulking presence of a Herring. But too distant to fully ID. Quickly obtained some poor photos, then raced back to my car with dog in tow. After an unsightly powerwalk, I made it to an overlook to get a better look. Despite repeated scans, I could not re-find the gull, so continued out to the far west side of the finger and slowly creeped eastward for the gulls. Still no signs of life. I stood there for some time, until finally the beast popped up from the shoreline into view. First thought was possible California Gull considering the dark greater coverts/double barred look to the upperwing. But when it banked, I could see the white head and distinct dark/white checkered pattern to the body which I associate with Lesser Black-backed Gull. Also looked larger than nearby Ring-billed, but not as big as Herring. Decent views of the gull as it sailed out over the lake, only to return and land among the Ring-billeds. 1st Cycle like gull with white head, dark brown under wing, dark greater coverts, dark inner primaries, broad dark tail band with checkered white uppertail, all black bill, patterned upperparts. Dark and white checkered pattern to body-not smooth dark tones like Herring. Again, dark inner primaries-not pale patch like Herring. Then the entire flock of several hundred Ring-billed Gulls took off with the LBBG towards the northwest. There is a small sandbar to the west where gulls also congregate. Checked that on my way out but did not see it. But I also did not have a scope. Gull seemed content and was loosely associating with the locals, so hopefully it will stay in the area. Seems to be a trend of gulls assembling here in late morning/afternoon. After I worked up a presumptive ID, reached out to Mel Cooksey for feedback. He was kind enough to confirm my gull and added additional pro tips for this species. Photo'd - including initial impression from ramp at great distance and site specific landmarks in the background to establish provenance. Many more photos available for review process. Time stamp is off on my camera-branding correct time but it is PM-not AM. In my rush to get out to the gull, I left my phone in the car so could not send out timely rare bird text alert. :(

Technical information

Model

OM-1

ISO

1600

Focal length

400 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire

f-stop

f/7.1

Shutter speed

1/2000 sec

Dimensions

1026 pixels x 769 pixels

Original file size

155.6 KB