ML619459741

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

Continuing large, first-cycle gull that appeared to be transitioning between first-winter and first-summer in plumage. This bird’s bill, neck streaking and paleness made it stand out from other gulls flocking on beach. Surprised how much it stood out from Westerns along the surfline and nearby California Gulls. Dark streaks around eye on pale head. All-black, thick bill. Head had tiny streaks, and was somewhat rounded with a vague peak and flatness toward back top of crown. Neck streaking was darker on sides and back of neck, compared to lighter streaking on front of neck. A sort of grey and brown mottling on light underside and brown barring on pale undertail. Mottled brown/grey back and lighter mottling on mantle. Near-black primary wingtips projected when tucked in, and seemed longer than Westerns when in similar pose. Pale-dirty pink legs. Bird was mostly by itself though at times other gulls walked past. It stood twice in the short time I was observing, preened once, before slipping back into a resting pose. Lots of walkers on the beach, but luckily no dogs running loose that might have scared the bird away. Many gulls on beach and along waterline, including a few Bonaparte's, a few dozen California's and Westerns, Some Ring-billed, and gulls in various plumages that stumped me. Vid one (24 sec): https://x.com/nickbelardes/status/1793407716234588403?s=46&t=wyFdq5xDFZmxti4QkvLLRQ Vid two (35 secs): https://x.com/nickbelardes/status/1793408070623912352?s=46&t=wyFdq5xDFZmxti4QkvLLRQ

Technical information

Dimensions

1440 pixels x 1086 pixels

Original file size

269.41 KB