Pale eyed Thayer's Gull

[Gord]

I have been meaning to share these for a while.

When I first saw it, I thought it was a Herring Gull even if a little smaller looking. The eye, I admit, really suggested Herring.



Then it took flight and the wingtips are pretty much perfect for a Thayer's Gull being limited to the leading edge of the primaries from above, and just to the tips of just four from below. Often the black in a Thayer's wings is not a jet black but in this case, it looks fairly strong to me.







Some headshots in different lighting. The orbital ring would suggest Thayer's Gull but in winter, this mark is not reliable to base an indentification on. A Herring Gull would have yellow/orange but I have seen many in the winter lacking this. The greenish look to the bill would support a Thayer's as well.





Looking back at the first photo, the more pinky-red legs works for a Thayer's Gull. The overall shape does suggest a Thayer's as well. Documentation that some Thayer's Gulls do have a pale eye increases the merit of the idea.

I guess a Thayer's/Herring hybrid is possible, but Id think the wingtips might show more black if one wants to go on the theory that characteristics of both species is spread evenly throughout the bird. Not always a safe assumption Im sure. Im certain there's no way it's a hybrid of any other gulls (Glaucous-wing/Herring who can be eye catching birds etc)

What a fun little guy!!! ;D ;D ;D

[Dave]

Interesting read, Gord. Thanks for sharing. Always a challenge and something new to learn. Beautiful Photos! I so no reason to disagree with you.

DB

[Gord]

Thanks, Dave!

Just one more little thing to think about when gulling and more proof that one fieldmark is usually not enough to make sure the ID is correct.

I hope no one minds my here-and-there prattle about gulls. I understand some people just find them too much. I used to think the same until I decided to spend a little time with my scope studying them one day. Part of my learning process is to share what Ive learned with others and to help others with what they're seeing too.

Anyway, I encourage others to look at gulls. Just look at the adults for now and pretty quick typical examples of the common species will fairly quickly jump out at you. I know I was surprised at how quickly it happened especially when I actually saw my first 'real' Herring Gull and not one of the many beastly hybrids out there!