Gulls Corpus Christi
Here’s a few more pix from Kelp chase. Anyone is welcome to ID.
Kelp Gull YES
I had a great time on the 29th communing with a visiting celebrity in Corpus Christi!! If you haven’t heard, this is a Kelp Gull born about 1 year ago in the southern hemisphere (South America most likely). Very impressive bill (compared to Herring in pic).
Short-billed Gull White Rock Lake NO
Hearing tell of a Short-billed Gull at White Rock Lake, Lance and I conducted a stake-out this morning for a couple of hours. No luck on Shorty, but always a pleasure to study gulls — especially since I added two first of season gulls to my season list. (I forgot my camera in Austin so…
LBBG vs Swainson’s Hawk
In reference to Gull #4, here’s a comparison between adult Herring and LBBG with a Swainson’s Hawk tossed in for mnemonic. Still need some IDs on some of the recent gull pix
Ring-billed Adult
Gull #6 (same date location). I’m tossing in an easy Gull #6 Adult Ring bill in basic plumage – note streaks on neck.
Ring-Billed 1st Winter
Gull #5 (same date location). Species? Age? Gull #5 First cycle Ring-billed with pretty advanced feathers on the back – lot of adult gray coming in. Also note shape is perfect for ring bill.
Bonaparte’s Gull
Gull #8 (same date location). Species? Age? Ok, I’m done for now. Now it’s time for Class of 2024 to ID!! Gull #8 Adult Bonaparte’s. Note white leading edge, and black trailing edge of wing. Below is a reminder of a 1st winter Bonaparte’s
Forster’s Tern
Gull #7 (same date location). Gull #7 Forster’s tern (I know – a mean trick as I called it “Gull #7”). Orangey legs, very pointed wing, black ear/eye patch, but back of head is not black (as in Common Tern at this time of year).
Herring Adult
Gull #4 for yesterday Cedar Point. Can someone from 2024 class ID these gulls? Gull #4 Adult Herring. Pink feet, pulled taffy snout.
Herring 1st Winter
Gull #2 from Cedar Point today (for the gulls class of 2024) Pretty straight forward 1st cycle Herring gull. Notice the inner primary “window” with some light shining through. Also compare width of wing at base (where it meets body), all brownish-gray plumage and snout like pulled-taffy. As a larger gull, the wingbeats of this…