ML643276224

Observation details

Adult aspect in active primary molt encountered loafing amongst some Brown Pelicans. Initially stood out due to large size and relatively bright, pink legs. Leg coloration at this age (as well as size and head structure) seem to strongly suggest it was not a large Lesser Black-backed Gull. Head large and blocky, with a relatively thick bill. Bill yellow with red gonyeal spot. Very dark slate mantle/upperparts coloration. Unstreaked head. Missing several primaries due to molt, so hard to assess apical spotting. Size was 2/3 that of the Brown Pelicans adjacent to it, larger than even many of the American Herrings I regularly encounter here on the coast. Western Gull also a possibility, though head didn't seem *quite* right, and the bill, while large, also didn't seem to quite "fit the bill" for that species. Also about a month early for when most vagrant Western Gulls have been detected in the Texas Coast. Head shape, lack of duskiness around eye, and lack of a prominent white tertial curtain all help to eliminate Slaty-backed Gull. Unfortunately did not have a good camera with me at the time, so digiscope photos are all I could manage. Hoping it's still around and can be relocated.