ML61981051

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

The 1st winter plumaged Mew Gull was with a large group of Ring-billed Gulls in a field being plowed just east of the Toledo Pit ponds along Ave. 144. The birds would follow the plow and at times be right along the side of the road where I was able to get some photos. It was a typical 1st cycle bird. The most noticeable difference from the Ring-billeds was the overall brown aspect to the bird with an all dark tail and heavily brown mottled rump; also its smaller size and more rounded head. The smaller, thinner bill was more difficult to discern because it was caked with mud giving it a larger appearance than normal. I didn't discover this until looking at my photos. The bill was mostly dark with a slight bit of paleness toward the base, unlike the definite flesh colored black tipped look of the 1st year Ring-billed Gulls. I believe this is a second county record.

Technical information

Model

SP590UZ

ISO

80

Focal length

119.6 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire, auto

f-stop

f/5.0

Shutter speed

1/640 sec

Dimensions

1920 pixels x 1440 pixels

Original file size

604.47 KB