ML616779377
Contributor
Date
Location
- Age
- Not specified
- Sex
- Not specified
Observation details
2024-04-12: Update: I forwarded this checklist with photos and video to gull expert, Amar Ayyash, and he had the following response: "Overall there's nothing here that excludes a pure Lesser Black-backed. Fleshy legs are not too rare in 3rd cycle types, even though the expectation is to see yellow legs by now." - Amar Ayyash Based on his experience, I tend to agree that this is more likely a LBBG and am changing this ID as such. I will update the MOU RQD I submitted to reflect this update. 2024-04-02: Update: I submitted these photos and video to the "North American Gulls" facebook group for assistance on ID and the consensus seems to be that is is likely NOT a California Gull and is likely a LBBG x HERG hybrid, for the following reasons: "The leg color looks fleshy and pinkish, not greenish enough for California Gull and that bill looks quite hefty as well. Further, the bill pattern is not that of an adult California, or even a good match for a sub-adult Cal. One thing I've noticed is that hybrid gulls often have bill patterns that seem to be about a cycle behind the plumage. There seems to be some of that incongruity here. What appear to be some retained brownish covert feathers better fits a late third cycle four-year gull and I think this looks too dark on the mantle/coverts for a California. I think this is likely a LBBG X HERG hybrid. - Dave Irons" 2024-04-01: Upon arriving, I did a quick scan with 12x binos and immediately picked out this Dark-backed gull. I grabbed my scope and zoomed in to find this bird standing beside a HERG for comparison. My first impression was LBBG, mostly because I don't have a lot of experience with CAGU. After more thoughtful studying this bird has dull yellow/orange legs in comparison to the pink legs of the HERG and I would expect a brighter orange colored legs on a LBBG. During my observation the eye did appear to be dark, also pointing me towards CAGU. Others have suggested to not rule out HERGxLBBG hybrid, but all Macaulay Library photos of this hybrid have light eyes. Tentatively putting this out at CAGU, but could be hybrid LBBGxHERG. Photos to add. Will update ID if needed.
Technical information
- Dimensions
- 3840 pixels x 2160 pixels
- Original file size
- 1.01 MB