ML646376249

Beobachtungsdetails

Almost glossed over a second-cycle gull larger than Ring-billed due to dainty structure and bicolored beak. At first glance the small bicolored beak and rounded head had me thinking Ring-billed, until I noticed the size significantly larger than Ring-billed but not hulking like some of the larger Herring. For a few seconds I waffled between Ring-billed which didn't fit due to size and Herring which didn't seem to fit due to structure before looking at the plumage closer and considering 2nd cycle Thayer's. I was able to view the bird from one angle for a few minutes to take note of the size, plumage, and structure. However, when the bird moved I pretty much lost it immediately behind the trees without good looks or documentation of the open wing. With minimal 2nd cycle Thayer's experience, I chalked it up to Herring/Thayer's, as I was hesitant to call it without open wing. Despite this, I think a robust case for 2nd cycle Thayer's can be made. Size was significantly larger than Ring-billed, but smaller than an average Herring. The head structure was quite delicate with a small, thin, and straight beak lacking a significant gonys. The head was rounded and looked more "cute" like an Iceland Gull rather than "mean" like a Herring. Overall shape also seemed fairly attenuated and long-winged, but that could be due to angle and tertial position. Appeared to be second cycle based on a neatly bicolored bill and plumage. The head and front of the neck appeared to be mostly whitish with minimal streaking with light streaking on the back of the neck and thicker, frosty, and somewhat pale grayish-brown streaking on the belly becoming nearly solid coloration underneath. Many scapulars were replaced with adult-like gray coloration. Coverts were very plain with a frosty fairly pale grayish-brown coloration that blended in with the coloration underneath. There was a bit of white coloration near the tips of the greater and median coverts. Tertials were medium-brown tipped in white. The primaries were a fairly dark color, but a shade lighter than the black on nearby individuals. The bit of primaries seen not in shadow showed the lighter coloration along with pale fringes, but I'm not entirely sure if the coloration was light enough to rule out Herring as primaries were still quite dark. I will seek additional input before reporting as a Thayer's type Iceland Gull. Second gull sp. looked to be a total oddball 2nd cycle(?) with somewhat off face/structure and black beak. It was a terribly frustrating day for documentation and open wing.