More from the PacNW. I’ve been thinking of the many Western GUlls as “big birds” (58″ wingspan), but they were dwarfed as they escorted this eagle on its way. Eagle’s are 80″ wingspan. Also had gloaming fly-bys of Murrelet’s, Marbled I presume, but couldn’t be sure.
Nice and cool on the Oregon Coast!! Here’s a few birds and sea creatures. I’ll let you gull aficionados give me an ID on these west coast gulls. Hint: 3 species.
Some of you from Gulls Class may remember that we discussed the labryinthine taxonomy of the Herring gull complex. The Europeans consider the American Herring to be a separate species from the European Herring. Likewise the Vega Gull. While the AOS currently considers American Herring and Vega to be a subspecies of European Herring. A…
Eric, Lance and I led the Shorebird Class to Corpus over the last weekend. I had a great time with highlights for me being: “That’s him!!!” (IDing the long-staying Glaucous Gull in mid-air at 65 mph on the JFK causeway), Identifying grass-pipers at the sod farms with the class at about ½ mile distant (definitely…
Allan and I headed out to Granger area yesterday on our semi-regular NED (Nature Exploration Day). We came across some nice shorebird habitats in wet fields and had 6 shorebird species for the morning. So shorebird season is ON!!! Here’s a few easy-peasy to ID. Didn’t get pix of several distant Am Golden Plover and…
Last Glaucous pix for a bit!! I usually think of the Herring as a BIG GULL!! But I was impressed with the Glaucous next to the Herrings and Laughings!!
Really enjoyed this beautiful and cooperative gull !! I’ve decided Glaucous and Iceland are my favorites, until I see an Ivory or Ross’s at least!!
The Crazy Ivan Maneuver!! (anybody get the reference?)
Allan and I had a good commune with the Glaucous Gull in Corpus yesterday. (Missed the Iceland Gull there for the 4th time).
Enjoyed myself at the 2024 Gull Frolic north of Chicago last weekend!! Was disappointed there were no Great Black Back Gulls present, but highlights included great looks at both thayeri and kumlieni Iceland gulls, adult and immature and several different ages of lesser Black Back. Apparently the “warm” weather means many gulls were out floating…
