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Post by ed on Jan 28, 2021 20:22:15 GMT -8
I had a good candidate for a Western Gull in Sumas Prairie on the 27th. It had a clear white head, a nice round look to the head, a Large drooped bill and jet black primaries. Unfortunately it stayed at the back of the field so pictures are of limited use. You can see them on ebird.
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Post by Gord on Jan 28, 2021 22:23:54 GMT -8
Saw the photos Ed. Looks a big light-backed but could be the exposure? Your field observations works great though.
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Post by ed on Jan 29, 2021 16:04:39 GMT -8
Yes it’s been a few years since I saw one. The pure ones seem pretty rare around here. I t did seem on the light side but field observation seemed to support a Western diagnosis. The darkish mantle wasn’t affected by aspect, as it moved around and changed directions.
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Post by oldfulica on Jan 29, 2021 16:34:05 GMT -8
Yes it’s been a few years since I saw one. The pure ones seem pretty rare around here. I t did seem on the light side but field observation seemed to support a Western diagnosis. The darkish mantle wasn’t affected by aspect, as it moved around and changed directions. I got this Gull on Sumas prairie a couple of days ago and I am having a problem with it. I thought the mantle wasn't dark enough for western but I am not sure. It also didn't't appear to be big enough. I sort of settled on WesternX Glaucous-winged but to be honest, I am am still unsure.
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Post by oldfulica on Jan 29, 2021 18:02:01 GMT -8
Here is another from Jan. 17 at Burnaby Lake. I sent it to a bird identity group on facebook and the consensus was 3rd year Western X Glaucous-winged. (Olympic Gull)
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Post by Ben on Jan 29, 2021 19:47:22 GMT -8
Hey Len,
I think your first gull might be a Thayer's (Iceland) Gull.
The small head and dainty bill make me think this. Also, the not pitch black wingtips is ok for thayers, and a slightly lighter eye.
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Post by Gord on Jan 29, 2021 22:16:36 GMT -8
Agree with Jon that first photo looks a lot like a Thayer's. Back looks a bit dark but so hard to tell on a photo and the fact lighting can influence things.
Hybrid on that bruiser of a gull for sure. Cool how the Western Gull influence is seen in that big bill.
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Post by oldfulica on Jan 30, 2021 18:45:10 GMT -8
Hey Len, I think your first gull might be a Thayer's (Iceland) Gull. The small head and dainty bill make me think this. Also, the not pitch black wingtips is ok for thayers, and a slightly lighter eye. I think you have it Jon. It also had a an elongated body which had me puzzled. For some reason I didn't think of Thayers. Thanks buddy.
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Post by oldfulica on Jan 30, 2021 18:46:29 GMT -8
Agree with Jon that first photo looks a lot like a Thayer's. Back looks a bit dark but so hard to tell on a photo and the fact lighting can influence things. Hybrid on that bruiser of a gull for sure. Cool how the Western Gull influence is seen in that big bill. Thanks for the input Gord. Nice to get another opinion.
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Post by Randy on Jan 30, 2021 21:16:52 GMT -8
I'm no gull expert but I'm making a concerted effort to learn (just read Gulls Simplified cover to cover) and I also agree with Gord.
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