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Post by Gord on Dec 16, 2011 9:07:15 GMT -8
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Post by murraybrown on Dec 16, 2011 17:22:33 GMT -8
Gord, those first 3 shots show a very unusual (to me) patterning. Have you encountered that plumage before?
I find this a very interesting bird.
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Post by Gord on Dec 16, 2011 17:51:48 GMT -8
Murray, I have little experience to go on but looking at some resources after the fact I havnt found anything that has caused me to second guess. The 'species' (in quotations as the jury is still out on this and some other gull species as to if they are indeed a separate species) is variable. The body shape and size with real long look due to long primary projection certainly looks promising as well as the dark bill which is fairly short and not thick. I know Glaucous Gull much better and am confident it isnt that.
All being said, Im most open to any thoughts from those more experienced that point out otherwise.
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Post by Gord on Dec 16, 2011 20:05:40 GMT -8
Murray, I realize that the pictures above were fixed up a little to reduce the noise. Doing that diffused the pattern a little I realize. The original is not a lot better but I will post an unaltered version when I get a chance next. What I saw in the field through my scope was obviously even better. I checked some online photos and found one that Michael Shepard took from Victoria a few years back. This one is pretty close to what I saw. www.flickr.com/photos/mgsbird/2299167276/One Guy Monty took (link below) is also similar but more worn looking which is more typical for a gull in late winter. www.flickr.com/photos/guylmonty/376984819/in/pool-birdphotographybc#/photos/guylmonty/376984819/in/pool-39777562@N00/I looked through my books, albeit not as closely as I still plan to do, and looks alright. Still, gulls being gulls, there's always room for mistake and errors and because I like gulls, Im looking forward to examining things even more deeply yet. |
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Post by murraybrown on Dec 16, 2011 22:21:40 GMT -8
Yeah Gord, I wasn't doubting your ID. I agree that it has the right shape and colouring for an Iceland. I have only seen 2 or 3 in my life and that one looks right on. It was just the unusual pattern that caught my attention. I think now that after looking at your attachments it might be due to some artifacts in the photo reproduction process that was fooling me.
Thanks for the extra info.
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Post by Gord on Dec 16, 2011 22:38:14 GMT -8
Murray, it's all good! Never hesitate to throw in a comment or idea; I both welcome and value it a great deal.  Here is the picture straight from the camera. Not much different, but Id said Id put it up, so here it is!  Dave Beeke went out this afternoon for a look. I hope he had success. |
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Post by Dave on Dec 17, 2011 6:28:51 GMT -8
No success yesterday. Hardly any gulls around the area. Perhaps it flew over to Chilliwack is waiting in my CBC Count area for me  |
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