3rd cycle type California Gull. Sheboygan County, Wisconsin. 14 July 2017.
Perhaps a 2nd summer record for the state(?).
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We also found an all-time Lake Michigan high of 69 Lesser Black-backed Gulls. We opined there must be well over 70 birds but chose to follow a strict protocol with our count.
1st summer Lesser Black-backed Gull. Sheboygan County, Wisconsin. 14 July 2017. |
As usual, the majority of Lessers here are 1st and 2nd summer individuals, but for the first time ever, I had more than a handful of 4th cycle types. This leads me to an obvious conclusion - birds that have summered here for the last 3-4 years are now returning and they're being joined by younger cohorts.
3rd summer (now in it's 4th plumage cycle) Lesser Black-backed Gull.
Sheboygan County, Wisconsin. 14 July 2017.
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Just as interesting is to have lingering Glaucous Gulls on Lake Michigan in July. These birds should be waaaaay north of here at this time of year. We had this beast and a paler 2nd summer type.
First summer Glaucous Gull. Sheboygan County, Wisconsin. 14 July 2017. |
First summer Glaucous Gull. Sheboygan County, Wisconsin. 14 July 2017. |