1st Cycle Kelp Gulls - Part 2 Molt

I recently returned from Peru where I spent some much needed time watching and photographing Kelp Gulls. I spent most of my time working several beaches and coastal lagoons around Lima (-12S, 77W). The subspecies of Kelp found in Lima is nominate L.d. domincanus - incidentally, this population is the northernmost stronghold for the species in South America. The Kelp Gulls can be rather accomondating in relatively large numbers here, often seen with Belcher's and Gray-hooded Gull, along with Franklin's Gulls and the occasional Gray and Andean Gull.

As noted in Part 1 of this two-part series, there is a dearth of information on Kelps in the north of South America. Perhaps not surprising, there is little data on molt timings or molt strategies for populations in Peru. Howell & Dunn (2007) give molt descriptions for southern South America, while Olsen & Larsson (2004) simply assert that northern birds molt "later" than southern conspecifics.

With this being the austral spring, I was expecting to find the majority of 1st cycles with juvenile flight feathers intact, or at the most, a few advanced individuals commencing inner primary molt. Instead, I discovered a radically different flight feather molt sequence - one that, to my knowledge, has not been documented for this species.

Below, I present a series of images illustrating a molt sequence not previously described in Larus dominicanus. A rough estimate of the percentage of individuals with similar molt patterns (n=375) is provided where necessary.

A: Hatch Year (HY) Kelp Gull with all renewed, 2nd generation, rectrices and secondaries. All juvenile primaries retained. Approximately 35% of this age cohort showed a similar molt sequence. Chorrillos, Peru. 03 November 2018.

B: Renewed tail feathers and more than half of secondaries already 2nd generation. Secondary molt in motion. All juvenile primaries. Approximately 15% of birds showed a similar sequence with some scaling back to a less advanced pattern to the outer secondaries (see next example). Miraflores, Peru. 01 November 2018.

C: Similar to individual above, but note the outermost secondaries now take on more of a regressive, 1st generation apperance. This was noted in roughly 5% of individuals. Miraflores, Peru. 01 November 2018.

D: This individual has roughly half of its secondaries renewed, but with no apparent active molt or molt gaps. Tail feathers 2nd generation. Seen in about 25% of individuals. Chorrillos, Peru. 02 November 2018.

E: Similar to the bird above, tail feathers 2nd generation (except for r5 on right). Tertials renewed as are a few adjacent, inner secondaries. All juvenile primaries. Chorrillos, Peru. 03 November 2018.

F: Again, tertials renewed as are a few adjacent secondaries. Only two 2nd generation rectrices. Juvenile primaries and outer wing coverts. Miraflores, Peru. 01 November 2018.

The sequence of tail feathers and secondaries being renewed before any primaries have been dropped is unlike the regimen followed by large gulls in the northern hemisphere, where flight feather molt is typically initiated via a prebasic molt, usually beginning at p1, p2 and so forth. With this being the austral spring season - a time of transition from prealternate to prebasic molts, and a time when the two molts commonly overlap - important questions to consider are:

1) Are the 2nd generation secondaries and rectrices a result of an extensive 1st prealternate molt? 

2) Are they the first flight feathers to be replaced in the 2nd prebasic molt, preceding molt of primaries? 

3) With the highly variable mixture of retarded upperwing coverts and scapulars, versus those that are rather advanced and adult-like, is it possible some hatch year Kelp Gulls have a preformative molt soon after hatching, followed by an extensive prealternate molt late in the austral winter/early spring? And is it possible these individuals become adult-like via 3 molt cycles?

Perhaps the explanation isn't an easy or straightforward one. There was evidence of primary molt in roughly 1/4 of all hatch year birds that were molting remiges. This is where matters become much more interesting and perplexing.

G: The outermost secondary is retained juvenile, with p1-p2 dropped. Rectrices 2nd generation. Found in approximately 10% of individuals. With such an advanced aspect to the scapulars, tail and secondaries, is it possible this is a 2nd cycle with 1st generation primaries never molted in the first prebasic molt? Chorrillos, Peru. 03 November 2018.

H: More similar to the molt sequence of a large gull from the northern hemisphere, this individual has renewed p1-p2, but has also replaced tertials and 2-5 adjacent secondaries. This molt pattern was the exception rather than the rule and only observed in a handful of birds (less than 1%). Miraflores, Peru. 01 November 2018.

I: Another bird "seemingly" coming close to the flight feather molt pattern of a northern gull, although the assumption here is that molt began with the innermost secondaries and worked its way out, distally. In reality, this sequence isn't very similar to a northern gull's flight feather molt pattern. All tail feathers 2nd generation. Note the contrast between s1 and p1, suggesting some time lapse. Found in less than 5% of all individuals. Chorrillos, Peru. 02 November 2018.

J: All 2nd generation secondaries and rectrices. Outer primaries renewed (p5 dropped, p6-p10 2nd generation on right wing; p8-p10 2nd generation on left wing). This sequence appears to be eccentric! Found in roughly 5% of all individuals. Chorrillos, Peru. 02 November 2018. 

K: Similar to "J" above, but only primary molting is p9 with all others juvenile. Chorrillos, Peru. 03 November 2018. 

L: A most unusual case. P1-P3 juvenile, new p4 tip emerging past primary coverts, p5 dropped, p6-p8 renewed 2nd generation. P9-P10 retained juvenile (symmetric). Secondaries renewed. Chorrillos, Peru. 02 November 2018.

L2: Same individual above. Note the innermost primaries have been dropped on the right wing. 

L3: Same individual above. The tail feathers are 2nd generation, corresponding with the same molt which produced the 2nd generation secondaries. 

The percentages given above are crude estimates based on my daily field notes and review of several thousand photographs. The values are percentages of birds in active molt, and don't account for the subgroup showing entirely juvenile remiges. These numbers are only meant to give an impression of how common (or uncommon) each molt pattern is in November for this particular population. 

Of importance from Howell & Dunn (2007) is mention of tertials and upperwing coverts sometimes being replaced in a variable and protracted 1st prealternate molt. Consider this individual:

Limited prealternate molt has produced mostly new 2nd generation scapulars, several inner wing coverts and a few tertials (bold white edges). But also notice the replaced p9 on the left wing. Chorrillos, Peru. 02 November 2018.

Needless to say, larger samples and more study is necessary in order to get a more accurate assessment of which molt is producing which feathers. But if the 1st prealternate molt is said to include tertials, then naturally, the few inner secondaries replaced on birds such as D-F must only be an extension of this. Further, some advanced birds apparently go on and continue to replace all secondaries (such as A). The big wrench in this new data is where the primary molt fits in. Birds such as I-L need careful analysis. 

These molt sequences may vary from year to year depending on breeding success, food resources and competition. As this is a single point in time from the calender year, there's no telling if those with more extensive primary molt are individuals that have migrated from southern populations, or, are largely resident birds which are afforded a speedy and extensive molt due to the rich food source of the Humboldt Current. A question to ponder is if such birds - as adults - are confined to a 12 month breeding cycle. A population's breeding cycle is an integral component to understanding how that group regulates feather molt. My visit, being at the onset of the breeding season (November 1st), is a time when many adults are building, protecting and sitting on nests. From Yorio et al (2016), we can infer that young fledge from January through February in Peru. Thus, the youngest free-flying Kelp Gulls on display during my visit were approximately 8-10 months of age. 

A large number of individuals - from those with some degree of renewed secondaries - resembled the bird above. This is a striking appearance that would attract attention in a flock of gulls in North America or Europe. Chorrillos, Peru. 01 November 2018.

Same individual above. We can be sure these young Kelp Gulls replace flight feathers beginning closest to the body and outward. Most interesting is the aspect of these new secondaries, appearing 3rd generation in nature. The uppertail coverts and central tail feathers are likely juvenile (?).

Final Thoughts

Do other populations of Kelp Gull share similar molt sequences in southern South America (or anywhere else)? If not, then what taxonomic implications might this present?

Finally, if an individual such as the bird above was to stray to North America in the boreal winter season, the flight feather molt pattern should be useful in establishing a good Kelp Gull candidate. Certainly any young black-backed gull found with such a pattern out of season would send off red flags to the discerning eye. With the paucity of records of 1st and 2nd cycle Kelps in North America, perhaps this note will give observers one more incentive to investigate feather molt of their local gull flocks.

References
Howell, S.N.G., and J. Dunn. 2007. A Reference Guide to Gulls of the Americas. Peterson reference Guide Series. Boston. Houghton Mifflin. 

Olsen, K.M., and H. Larsson. 2003. Gulls of Europe, Asia and North America. London: Christopher Helm.

Pyle, P. 2008. Identification Guide to North American Birds, Part 2. Slate Creek Press, Bolinas, CA.

Yorio, P. 2016. Distribution and Trends in Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus) Coastal Breeding Populations in South America. Waterbirds 39: 114-135.

1st Cycle Kelp Gulls - First Impressions

Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus) is the most widespread large white-headed gull in the southern hemisphere with a unique circumpolar distribution. Recent data based on morphology and biometrics suggests there may be 5 subspecies (Jiguet et al. 2012).

The overwhelming majority of records in North America are adult type birds, which begs a reoccurring question, are we overlooking young Kelp Gulls? This seems to be a persistent theme. Taking an objective view, and considering the fact that young gulls have a propensity to wander, I would say the lack of records of 1st cycle birds may be due mostly to observer bias, especially around the Gulf Coast where Lesser Black-backed Gull has increased. But also consider the fact that a disruption in food supply may be prompting Kelp Gulls to stray. Hence, there would be less of a survival rate for an already distressed, misplaced and inexperienced young gull to make it as far north as adults.  

I recently visited the Lima region (-12S, 77W) along the coast of Peru in hope of gaining some insight on the local population there. The subspecies found in Peru is nominate L.d. dominicanus. 

Kelp Gull (L. dominicanus) range map. Copyright eBird.

Most identification material available on South American Kelp Gulls comes from reports in Chile and Argentina, down to Tierra del Fuego. In fact, it appears there is more information on Kelp Gulls from Antarctica than there is on those in the north of South America. Seeing that Peru is geographically closer to North America, it should be worthwhile to familiarize ourselves with Kelps in this region.

A visit in early November put me squarely in the austral spring, now approaching the summer season. Most of my time was spent in Chorrillos at Los Pantanos de Villa where 100-300 Kelp Gulls were on display daily. The predominate age group here was 1st cycle individuals (roughly 10 months old), which made up approximately 75% of all flocks.

The KEGU flocks were very accommodating with hatch year birds making up 3/4 individuals.

The aim of this post is to present a description of 1st cycle Kelps in the austral spring, with emphasis on how they compare to the primary confusion species in North America: Lesser Black-backed Gull. It should be noted that the two have rather similar plumage aspects and patterns, and describing feather minutia to differentiate them may not always be the most fitting approach. Thus, there is a great need to use size, structure and bare parts for this identification. 

First Impressions  

A natural starting point is to compare this age group to similar age Lesser Black-backed Gulls. Plumage patterns should be compared to 2nd calender year Lesser Black-backed Gulls from the northern summer season (i.e., those on the threshold of commencing their 2nd prebasic molt). Although the two taxa are superficially alike, a close look soon reveals several structural, bare-part and plumage differences. Described below are averages which are found in more birds than not. Suffice to say there are always outliers which seemingly contradict any set of field notes as these are large white-headed gulls with considerable variability. In short, the reader should allow for variation when testing any of the notes described below.

Bill Size, Shape & Pattern

The bill averages a relatively thick base, is stout, and often shows a bulbous tip similar to Western Gull. The culmen is somewhat blunt in shorter-billed birds (presumably males). Those with longer bills can show a slight droop, exaggerated by the wide angle at the gonys. Bill size and structure is likely to be of great use for separating Kelp from Lesser Black-backed Gull.

1st cycle Kelp Gull (front) with a 2nd cycle (inner primary molt has commenced). Both show relatively thick bills, but note the slight droop to the 2nd cycle's bill. 

There is little order in bill color patterns, however, as some showed bicolored bills with demarcated black tips while others retained entirely dark bills. Below is an individual with a mixture of pink and black. Bill pattern is likely of little use for identification. 

Facial Expression & Head Shape

The gape on this age group seemed to immediately jump out at me, portraying a different facial expression than 1st cycle Lesser. It isn't a long gape, but the flesh is more swollen and exposed than on Lesser Black-backed, which seems to typically have the flesh on the gape covered in feathers. Also consistently seen is a dark post-ocular line in individuals that have molted into whiter heads. The eye placement strikes me as forward and higher on the head, and not as centered on the face when compared to Lesser. The head often has an elongated shape and is somewhat blocky with more birds averaging a flat crown than rounded. In some ways, we have a facial expression reminiscent of California Gull, on the head of a Great Black-backed Gull.

The downward gape and post-ocular line recall California Gull at times. 

Head Streaking 

The markings on the crown are somewhat similar to the fine, thin, streaks of Lesser Black-backed Gull, but then soon become heavier and coarser along the hindneck. As we follow the markings down the side of the neck and breast, the pattern may become blotted with spots. 

This individual shows more of a heavily marked neck. The blotted spots along the side of the neck are reduced on individuals with whiter heads and necks.  

Legs

Overall the species averages longer legs than most other large gulls I have experience with. At this time of year, the majority of individuals showed traces of blueish-gray on the tibia, especially where the leg meets the body. This blue color was consistently observed and is likely to be of good use for an out of range bird. The rest of the leg below the joint was either a pale fleshy pink or beginning to yellow in a few advanced individuals. The joint on many birds is a large balled knot with a noticeably thick tarsus.

Scapular Crescent

Many birds have replaced their tertials (via the 1st prealternate molt) as it is "their" first spring. The new, second generation tertials and scapulars often show broad white edges, forming bold crescents similar to Slaty-backed Gull. The scapular crescent is not always consistently large. However, the tertial crescent is reliable and I would consider this a great feature for pinning a Kelp candidate in North America. Scrolling back up to the group photo at the top of this post, one can see this obvious feature in just about every individual. 

This 1st cycle has retained its juvenile tertials, which here, show thick white tips. Also consider the bluish tibia, downward gape and flatter crown with highly placed eye.

A 1st cycle with 1st alternate tertials. The bold white crescent is rather noticeable from a distance. 

Secondary Skirt

Of use when comparing Kelp to Lesser Black-backed Gull is the former's propensity to show a secondary skirt (secondary feathers hanging below the greater coverts when the bird is at rest). When the secondaries are fully grown, it's likely the tips to these feathers can be seen well below the greater coverts, recalling what is seen on other broad-winged large gulls such as Western, Glaucous-winged and Slaty-backed Gull. Consider this relatively plain-looking bird with dark brown secondary skirt merging with the tertials. This is not a field mark typical of Lesser Black-backed Gull. The shape of this bird is much more similar to Slaty-backed Gull than it is to Lesser Black-backed.

A large and relatively short-winged individual. Much of its coverts and tertials are still juvenile. 

Wing Projection

Wing projection is a tricky feature as it varies depending on posture, molt, wear, age and perhaps even sex. On average, the wing's projection (the extent of primary length past the tail) is short, or shorter than the longer-winged Lesser Black-backed Gull. It seemed to be much more noticeable and useful in adult birds which had all 10 primaries fully grown. In my opinion, it wouldn't be as useful a feature to rely on for out of range 1st cycles, and it should only be used as a supporting detail if present. Strictly speaking, one can find "unusually" long-winged and thin individuals such as this bird, which resembles the body profile of a Lesser, but this is the exception, not the rule:

A long-winged bird with an attenuated look to the rear, resembling Lesser Black-backed Gull. Furthermore, the juvenile tertials lack any hint of a crescent. But notice the glaring gape, drooping bill and bluish tibia. Also consider the broken secondary skirt, indicating active molt on an otherwise broader wing. 

A relatively short-winged 1st cycle (right) with an adult type. Among several features mentioned earlier in this post, note the secondary skirt on the adult and bluish base to the tibia on the 1st cycle. The bold white tertial crescent is visible on every individual in this frame. The uniformly long legs put Las Vegas showgirls to shame.

Open Wing & Tail

In flight the arm is relatively short and broad. The inner primaries are dark and typically don't show a pale window. The outer tail feathers generally show more pigment coming up their bases (when compared to Lesser). The uppertail coverts are largely white at this time of year due to wear and new 1st alternate coverts which lack much of a pattern (see the first open wing below). It should be noted that some birds with retained juvenile uppertail coverts will show more markings (see the second open wing below).

A rather "Lesser Black-backed-looking" individual with plain uppertail coverts. The solid pattern to the tail band on the outermost rectrices may be of use, as is the bulbous-tipped bill. 

The uppertail coverts are more marked on this individual. Also notice the vertical stitching on the outer web of the outermost tail feather. In addition to this, the outer web can also show horizontal ribbing similar to 1st cycle American Herring Gull.

The pattern to the underwing is not unlike a Lesser, but note the broad structure of the arm. The body is much more barrel-chested than the lankier Lesser Black-backed Gull. Despite all of the plumage characteristics mentioned in the literature, the most useful feature on the individual below is - unquestionably - the size and shape of the bill. The impression is much more akin to Yellow-footed and Western Gull. 

Summary

To summarize, 1st cycle Kelp Gulls in central Peru are among the northernmost populations south of the equator. This age group superficially resembles Lesser Black-backed Gull, but using a collection of field marks, the discerning eye should be able to pick up on a "typical" extralimital bird. It is important to keep in mind that the field marks described here should be used in combination and not singly. A larger gull with overall stronger proportions and long legs may be the first impression one gets. Body size can be as lanky as a small Lesser Black-backed, or, approaching that of a Great Black-backed Gull. There was only one instance where I thought the plumage aspect of a 1st cycle Kelp Gull resembled a Great Black-backed Gull (see below), but the head and hindneck streaking, and incidentally the gape, were sufficiently different.

A large 1st cycle with superficial resemblance to Great Black-backed Gull. 

Note that the long dark markings on the undertail coverts are unlike the sparse markings on GBBG.

A big takeaway from the images in this post should be the amount of variability in upperpart patterns (on par with the variability found in other large white-headed gulls). The wing coverts and scapulars strike me as being a bit plainer than a 1st alternate Lesser Black-backed Gull, with a velvety texture at times. Less advanced birds show patterns that are more diffuse than other black-backed species, such as this largely juvenile individual:

A retarded HY Kelp Gull with plain upperparts. The long strong bill and long legs are noteworthy. 

Molt and its implications on identification

The most exciting revelation during my visit was uncovering a flight feather molt sequence which, to my knowledge, has not been documented in this species. The pattern is radically different than any large gull in North America, and if understood correctly, could readily be used to seal an ID for a young out of range Kelp Gull. Look for this in an upcoming post in Part 2.

Monthly Notables October 2018

Sightings:

• California Gull (3rd cycle type). Richland County, Ohio. 01 October 2018.
• Apparently the same individual found in Lorain County in late September. 
• California Gull (adult). LaPorte County, Indiana. 04 October 2018.
• Little Gull (juvenile). St. Charles County, Missouri. 05 October 2018.
• Franklin's Gull (2nd cycle type). Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. 07 October 2018.
• 1st for Philadelphia.
• Herring Gull (adult). Yuma County, Arizona. 07 October 2018.
• Slaty-backed Gull (adult). Snohomish County, Washington. 08 October 2018.
• Mew Gull (2nd cycle). Allegan County, Michigan. 14 October 2018.
• 9th State Record.
• Laughing Gull (1st cycle). Arthabaska County, Quebec. 18 October 2018.
• Slaty-backed Gull (adult). Ketchikan Gateway County, Alaska. 20 October 2018.
• Glaucous Gull (1st cycle). Cameron Parish County, Louisiana. 21 October 2018.
• Laughing Gull (adult). Halifax County, Nova Scotia. 21 October 2018.
• Laughing Gull (1st cycle & adult). Saint Pierre & Miquelon. 22 October 2018. 
• Laughing Gull (2 adults). St. John's County, NF & Labrador. 22 October 2018.
• Lesser Black-backed Gull (adult). Lane County, Oregon. 22 October 2018.
  
• Western Gull (2nd cycle). Nueces County, Texas. 25 October 2018.
• 4th State Record. 
• Lesser Black-backed Gull (3rd cycle type). Santa Cruz County, California. 26 October 2018.
• Slaty-backed Gull (3rd cycle type). Cook County, Minnesota. 28 October 2018.
• 9th State Record.

Miscellaneous Notes:

A small influx of Laughing Gulls was recorded in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland in the 3rd week of October. This was in all likelihood associated with hurricane conditions along the Atlantic.

October 2018 Quiz

Age: Both gulls appear to be typical adults with no traces of sub-adult plumes or bill patterns.

Identification: The only thing better than an open wing shot is two open wings for comparison. The gray upperparts are virtually equal in color, and so they're of little help. Suffice to say the gray is pale and any dark-backed species is immediately excluded.

Most useful are the wingtips. To the discerning eye, the bird in front has more extensive black pigment on the wingtip while the other shows limited black and more white. Not only this, the shade of black is slightly paler on the farther individual. The bird in front shows a fairly standard Herring Gull wingtip for the central and western part of the continent, and its pale eye and fairly strong bill agree with Herring as well. The farther individual shows a rather classic Iceland Gull wingtip with thayeri pattern on the 9th primary. The all-white tip to p10 and notable white tongue tips on p6-p8 also point to Iceland Gull. Also note the dusky eye and smudgy head markings, and hints of a smaller bill.

Our October Quiz birds - Adult Herring & Thayer's Gull - were photographed in Superior, Wisconsin in late November.

Putative Chandeleur Gull - Back Again

Since at least Fall of 2006, this putative Kelp x Herring hybrid (Chandeleur Gull) is back again for another winter! I spent about an hour of quality time with it early Sunday morning on the beach in Michigan City.

I must admit the photos are underexposed, and the early morning glow gives a darker sheen to the upperparts.

It still shows black markings on all of the visible primaries. Notice the small, squared, mirror on p10 and the relatively late primary molt for this time of year. By mid-winter, there will be fine dark streaks to the head and neck, sparsely scattered throughout. Leg color will also dullen and start to show a sickly grayish color.

Monthly Notables September 2018

Sightings:

• Laughing Gull (juvenile). Marion County, Iowa. 03 September 2018.
• An immaculately fresh juvenile.
• Little Gull (juvenile). Lake County, Indiana. 03 September 2018.
• Black-legged Kittiwake (juvenile). Ozaukee County, Wisconsin. 07 September 2018.
• Black-headed Gull (1st cycle). Suffolk County, Massachusetts. 07 September 2018.
• Little Gull (juvenile). Cook County, Illinois. 10 September 2018.
• Great Black-backed Gull (adult type). Keith County, Nebraska. 12 September 2018.
• Black-legged Kittiwake (adult). Gallatin County, Montana. 12 September 2018.
• A rarely-seen adult bird. Only the 7th for the state and earliest fall record by two months.
• Little Gull (juvenile). Washington County, Colorado. 13 September 2018.
  
• Sabine's Gull (juvenile). Marion County, West Virginia. 14 September 2018.
• Only the 4th state record.
• Black-tailed Gull (3rd cycle type). Powell River District, British Columbia. 13 September 2018.
• Slaty-backed Gull (adult). Pierce County, Washington. 14 September 2018.
• Likely the same adult returning here since 2013.
• Glaucous Gull (2nd cycle). St. John's County, Newfoundland. 15 September 2018.
  
• Slaty-backed Gull (adult type). Metro Vancouver District, British Columbia. 16 September 2018.
• California Gull (adult). Lorain County, Ohio. 13 September 2018.
• Heermann's Gull (2nd cycle type). Pima County, Arizona. 18 September 2018.
• Mew Gull (adult). Larimer County, Colorado. 19 September 2018.
• Franklin's Gull (adult). Halifax County, Nova Scotia. 19 September 2018.
• Black-headed Gull (1st cycle). District of Columbia. 22 September 2018.
• First record for Washington DC since 1989.
• Lesser Black-backed Gull (3rd cycle type). Wasco County, Oregon. 24 September 2018.
• First county record.
• Black-legged Kittiwake (adult type). Peace River District, British Columbia. 24 September 2018.
• Laughing Gull (2nd cycle). Randolph County, Missouri. 26 September 2018.

September 2018 Quiz

Age: This rather small and compact gull displays a full tailband and brown-washed wing coverts. We can feel safe aging it as a 1st cycle. Of course extended views would be desired to better age our gull.

Identification: There's no question that this is a hooded species. Of note is the solid-patterned upperwing (right wing). It lacks a carpal bar, eliminating species such as Bonaparte's, Little and Black-headed. The bold eye crescents and semi-hooded appearance scream Franklin's Gull. Also supportive of Franklin's (over Laughing Gull) is the clean white wing linings and hind neck. If we zoom in, the tailband on Franklin's almost never reaches the outermost edge of the outer tail feathers, as is the case here.

This 1st cycle Franklin's Gull was photographed in Chicago, Illinois. October.