Saturday, February 12, 2011

Pure Western Gull or hybrid?

Note the bright yellow orbital-ring, pale eye, dark wing-tips, and bill colour/shape. Is that enough to call it a WEGU, or does the "dirty" appearance suggest otherwise? I have seen other photos of alleged third-cycle WEGUs with equally brown or darker heads. Would appreciate feedback from coastal birders!



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2 comments:

  1. Abu AnkaFebruary 12, 2011 at 12:54 PM

    I'd be suspicious of this one. The head and breast streaking is quite a bit heavier than what I would expect from a 3rd cycle Western Gull. With the bill already coloring up to that extent, it should be fairly free of streaking.

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  2. Russell CanningsFebruary 12, 2011 at 1:20 PM

    Thanks for the comments Guy, I had the same reservations. I guess the orbital ring isn't everything! Will keep my eyes open.

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