ML646473765

Observation details

Rare and very late. Originally observed at considerable distance in the direction of Cherry Glen, sitting alone on the water. It stuck out as being very dark and the rear end riding higher out of the water than a gull. Later seen in flight showing pale vent , rump, and primary flash both above and below. A small bird that was harassed by much larger Herring Gull but aggressively chased a Ring-billed Gull. Clearly not a POJA on size. Steve Dinsmore, who has extensive jaeger experience, was present and identified it as Parasitic. I agreed with that after seeing the bird near both Ring-billed and Herring Gulls. After I left, the bird came in close and photos confirmed that the ID was correct.

Additional species

• American Herring Gull Larus smithsonianus