[Birdtalk] possible Iceland Gull update

[STEPHEN T CARLILE]

Tim,

I was at the landfill this morning. Saturday, 29 Dec 2006, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.  Though I did not see the Western Gull I did see a larger (relative to the California and Ringed-billed Gulls that were there), lighter gull like the one shown in your photograph.  The bird was seen about 11:00 on the main pond and also seen in flight. It caught my attention because of its "light" color.  It did have the dark bill, but did not have dark primary markings or any dark tail "shading" or banding. The bird's entire plumage was quite uniform in its overall tone.  However, after referring to my field guides, I assumed it was a young Thayer's.  (I am just gaining experience with the "winter gulls".)  When I opened your e-mail I reviewed my Gulls of North American, Europe, and Asia by Olsen and Larsson. Based on comparing my observations with the book, the similarities to the Iceland/Kumlien's Gull's juvenile/first winter plumage, etc, are interesting. However, my relative inexperience with the winter gulls (other than the Herring Gull) prevents me from offering a strong opinion.  I will leave it to the experts.  Sorry no pictures, but at least the "bird" appears to still be there.

Thanks,

Stephen

----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Tim Avery<mailto:tanager at timaverybirding.com> 
  To: birdtalk at utahbirds.org<mailto:birdtalk at utahbirds.org> 
  Sent: Friday, December 29, 2006 8:39 PM
  Subject: [Birdtalk] possible Iceland Gull update


  The ID frontiers list has been lighting up with responses to the pictures I have
  posted. Many viewers believe this bird is inside the normal range for a
  Kumlien's type ICELAND GULL (not currently on the Utah list).  However, others
  insist that it is within the range for Thayer's Gull.  And yet other insist
  that this is likely an integrade and who knows???  For anyone out looking for
  the Western Gull this weekend, keep your eyes peeled for this very light gull. 
  It basically looks like a tiny 1st winter Glaucous Gull, but with an all dark
  bill.  If you have a camera try to get pictures of the tail and any open wing
  shots in flight would be nice.  I will hopefully make it out in the afternoon. 
  Comments and pictures of this gull can be viewed here:

  http://timaverybirding.com/icgu/icgu.html<http://timaverybirding.com/icgu/icgu.html>

  Good Birding

  Tim
  Indianapolis, IN and Salt Lake City, UT
  tanager at timaverybirding.com<mailto:tanager at timaverybirding.com>
  http://www.timaverybirding.com<http://www.timaverybirding.com/>
  http://www.birdtography.com<http://www.birdtography.com/>
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