1st cycle Glaucous and Iceland Gull. Port Washington, WI. |
As a consolation for having missed this particular SBGU thrice this season, a 3rd cycle type California Gull - my first for Ozaukee County - and an adult Laughing Gull helped repair spirits.
3rd cycle California Gull. The long bill, dark eye and heavily marked hindneck are distinctive. |
Adult Laughing Gull. This individual walked within a few feet from us. The reward for patience! |
A well-marked Iceland Gull with pale eyes. |
Adult Iceland with dusky eyes and primary pattern that is noticeably slaty black. |
Presumed Kumlien's Iceland Gull with just a hint of dark outer vanes on p9 and p10. A stunner! |
2nd cycle Thayer's Iceland Gull. Inicidentally, this is the March Quiz Bird. |
A different perspective of the same individual pictured above. The wing linings are in great condition for late winter. |
Eight species of gull was good enough for me, and Ted's company was most edifying. I believe our final count was ~10 Great Black-backeds, ~4 Lesser Black-backeds, ~2500 Herrings, and ~600 Ring-billed Gulls. Lake Michigan at its finest!