ML619886377

Observation details

The number of gulls at the beach slowly increased from a handful when there was only pink light in the east, on the horizon over the lake. Because there were dozens of gulls on the northeast pier, I spoke briefly with William, to let him know I would be looking there and ask, Would he be kind enough to give me a wave if the black-tailed gull showed on the beach? He was! I jogged the quarter-mile or so back to the beach, and William and Kristen were considerate the entire time, not approaching the gulls until I arrived, so the birds wouldn't be spooked. The black-tailed gull remained as 15-20 minutes passed and 2 more birders arrived. When the rarity left, it left alone. Solid, medium dark mantle. Yellow bill with some black above, near tip, and plenty of red. Clean white head and neck. About the same size as nearby ring-billed gulls. Yellow legs. Pale eye. Broad black stripe atop tail, near but not at tip. Thank you, Linda, for alerting me about this bird the prior evening! Excitement wouldn't let me sleep, and driving all night got me there in time.