ML644737891

Observation details

3rd cycle winter LBBG found in the large flock of several hundred California with some Western and Heermann's mixed in at the south end of the beach near the lagoon outlet. Didn't stand out at first among the Calis. It was about one click larger and two clicks darker, with a mostly black tail and a larger messy bill. Has the characteristic eyeliner behind the eye. This specimen had strong speckling at the back of the head down to the neck. Some photos - in the overcast light I wouldn't read much into the dark mantle in the photos (the Calis look dark too) but note the other structural and plumage differences. Others were able to get better shots later in the day.