Dick & Jean Hoffman - the local bird scene - March 2005 Gulls

adult Iceland Gull March 4, 2005 We spotted this adult Iceland Gull bobbing in the water. We got to watch it a bit then really study it when it went up on the ice to preen and fluff. It was smaller than the Herring Gulls with a rounded head and small bill. There was a little streaking or spotting on the nape. The eye was a pale yellow. The primaries extended well beyond the tail and appeared totally white. Closer study with the scope showed the outer webs of the primary feathers had the faintest gray coloring. Even this isn't enough to claim it was of the nominate race and not Kumlien's though. As it stayed across the water, this is the best shot we have.
adult Lesser Black-backed Gull March 4, 2005		1st Winter Herring [?] Gull early March 2005