Gulls

Not the easiest of species to identify

Post details: Gulls for ID

2008-06-28

Gulls for ID

09:56:07 pm, Categories: General comments

From
Dave Kennedy
Arlington Heights, IL
I will add descriptions in the next few days but have to check a few things first - so easy to be wrong
some of the more obvious birds though are Great Black-headed and Black Headed Gulls

I am not certain if the first four pics are cachinnans (Caspian) or barabensis(Steppe) but my instinct tells me that they probably are the later - will have to consult others -

Consensus is Larus barabensis Steppe Gull

Consensus is for only a tentative ID as Larus barabensis Steppe Gull since
This one looks non adult due to the dark markings on the bill but what can be seen of the plumage and primary pattern it could be quite easily an adult, bare parts are dull perhaps due to early season. All features that are good for Caspian as well.

For birds to right of Great Black-headed Gull/s consensus is Larus barabensis Steppe Gull

These are a mixed bag - left could be either Caspian or Steppe - Middle most likely Steppe - bird on the right either a pale Baltic Gull fuscus but perhaps more likely a female (from size) heuglini Heuglin's Gull