ML636506884

Observation details

After reviewing photos and consulting with others, this bird appears to be a 2nd yr California Gull. In the field it stuck out to me as being a bit smaller than nearby AHGU with a smooth darker gray back and grayish legs. Other field marks that point to CAGU include a "hooded appearance" by the extensive brown smudging on the nape and breast contrasting with a pale head, a thin parallel sided bill, dark eye, and a distinctive down turned gape. I contacted Amar Ayyash who agreed with the identification. See photos.