One bit that I haven't heard discussed yet is which kind of Western it is, the
southern wymani or the northern occidentalis. This may or may not be important
when people postulate on where it came from. Did it come up from the Gulf of
California (à la Yellow-footed Gull), or across and down from the Pacific
Northwest? The bird's mantle color is acceptable for occidentalis, as is the
lack of black on the 4th primary and the dusky eye color. I just want to point
out that the eye is not actually 'dark' in the California Gull sort of way, but
it's pale with extensive dark flecking on the iris which makes the eye appear
dusky, or dark at a distance. This is typical of occidentalis.
The thing is a monster, so my money's on it being a male. The bird looks a bit
sad with it's broken left leg and the summer wear it's got going on. Any
healthy male Western Gull should be breeding right now, I think, so this may be
a failed breeder or maybe a very old bird who just never started this year and
is going on a little retirement trip.
Christian Nunes
Boulder, CO
[email protected]
http://www.flickr.com/photos/christian_nunes/
>
> Hello, Birders.
>
> > Thank you Glenn. This was really helpful to me
> > and I am planning on looking for the gull today!!
> > I really appreciate when those of you who have
> > such in depth knowledge of some of these rare
> > birds explain the differences -- as it really
> > helps some of us novices!!
>
> I heartily second Allison Hilf's sentiment. Glenn Walbek's description of the
> Western Gull at Chatfield Reservoir, Jefferson/Douglas Counties, was
> incredibly helpful to me. It's not just that I learned a little more about a
> species I thought I knew well; I also benefited from an expert's insight into
> the broader challenge of identifying rare gulls out of range. I especially
> appreciate how Glenn walked us through the whole ID process. Thanks, Glenn,
> for this outstanding learning opportunity. And congratulations on a fantastic
> discovery!
>
> -------------------------------
>
> Ted Floyd
> >
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