[Birdnet] Possible Iceland Gull

[Dennis Shirley]

Hi All,
  I just got on the net for the first time in a week
or so and was interested in reading the various
reports about the proposed ICELAND GULL at the Lee Kay
ponds. As Lou reported earlier we spent about four
hours there tuesday and I was there last saturday
also. Both times I saw the Western and the light
colored THAYER'S/ICELAND GULL. On tuesday we were able
to watch the light colored gull circle the pond for
four or five times at close range before landing. It's
paleness was of course the thing that caught our eye.
Next was it's size, not large like a glaucous or
herring gull, or small like a ring-billed, but more
the size of a streamlined California. My first
thought, and I still am leaning that way, is it's a
slightly lighter than normal THAYER'S GULL. It had a
definite pale brownish tail band, which when flying
was fanned out and easily seen.
When resting on the ice the bill was all dark, thin
and slightly hooked,and did have a small gonys on the
lower mandible.
  For what it's worth, I've been fortunate to have
seen the three Utah candidates for Iceland Gull and
like everyone else would certainly like to put it on
the state list. But, in each case there was something
about the bird which wasn't quite right and a doubt
existed.       Let's face it,gulls can be a can of
"WORMBUSTER" worms, and until we find the "perfect"
one and there's no doubt, if that's possible, we
shouldn't list it.    
  I wish it were an Iceland Gull, but who's going to
make the call? Let's be sure!!!
  Thanks, 
  Dennis Shirley

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