ML633086696

Observation details

Continuing. Relocated today by Will and Scott in channel near Live Oak ramp. Gull smaller than Western and bigger than California Gull. Whitest gull in relatively small flock. Greater and other wing coverts mostly white with minimal brown patterning. Dark primaries with inner primary "window." Tertails darker than body with broad white edges. Very white undertail coverts with a few sparse tan bands. Uniquely banded tail with irregular white and brown patterning at top of tail, with excess white in pattern on outer tail feathers - seen best in flight or preening. Muted pale line across rear end of tail band. White uppertail coverts. White ground color on head, upper back, chest with small tan marks (white strongest wrapping around crown and rear sides of auricular). Dark bill looked more "yellowish" underneath compared to past observations, perhaps due to lighting. Small light yellow tip on bill. Dark eyes, pink legs and feet. Behavior: often sitting on a channel "curb" with short flights when flock was flushed a few times (helicopters, barking dogs, etc.). Occasionally preened. Used bill to poke at foliage mound on curb. Slept a few times with bill tucked. Present throughout my visit.