ML646378513

Observation details

Photos. I identified this bird as a 1st-cycle "Cook Inlet" Gull based on the following features. The generally pale overall coloration and colder gray tones combined with the dusky but not black wing tips point to Glaucous-winged Gull parentage. In structure and size the bird seemed a bit small and less bulky than a pure Glaucous-winged or "Olympic" Gull. I noted that the basal two thirds of the bill is already showing signs of turning paler, which is consistent with 1st-cycle American Herring Gull and not normally show by either "pure" Glaucous-winged or Olympic Gulls. Also, the heavily spangled upper parts and the fairly flat sloping forehead are characteristics that suggest AHGU parentage. I can't really shoehorn this into being a paler Olympic Gull.