Folks, I have loaded a composite photo showing a Lesser Black-backed Gull and the Western Gull from Chatfield. Compare the bill, head shape, leg color and iris color. I agree with Christian, the iris isn't exactly dark but it's worlds darker than the pale yellow iris of Lesser Black-backed Gull. This can be seen at a distance. I was leaning towards the wymani, southern race based on mantle darkness, but I don't know that. Norm makes a good point that gape color, especially coupled with orbital ring color is very useful. I didn't mention that in my description, but one of my photos is designed to show these features.
http://www.pbase.com/image/135222920 gull comparison http://www.pbase.com/gwalbek/image/135196179 gape and orbital ring Glenn Walbek Castle Rock, CO http://www.pbase.com/gwalbek/western_gull -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en.
