IKLland Posted August 23, 2022 Share Posted August 23, 2022 From my my trip in early august. Long Island, NY. Thanks! 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlexHenry Posted August 23, 2022 Share Posted August 23, 2022 1 Lesser Black backed Gull 2 Not sure, maybe Herring? (or could be another lesser black-backed?) 3 Common Tern 5 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobinHood Posted August 23, 2022 Share Posted August 23, 2022 5 hours ago, AlexHenry said: Lesser Black backed Gull The legs look pink to me, is it just the lighting? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Birds are cool Posted August 23, 2022 Share Posted August 23, 2022 8 hours ago, IKLland said: From my my trip in early august. Long Island, NY. Thanks! Those are great photos. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IKLland Posted August 23, 2022 Author Share Posted August 23, 2022 (edited) 10 hours ago, AlexHenry said: 1 Lesser Black backed Gull 2 Not sure, maybe Herring? (or could be another lesser black-backed?) 3 Common Tern Thanks. For the second one, how was great black backed eliminated? Edited August 23, 2022 by IKLland 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IKLland Posted August 23, 2022 Author Share Posted August 23, 2022 @DLecy, any thoughts on the second bird? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seanbirds Posted August 23, 2022 Share Posted August 23, 2022 3 minutes ago, IKLland said: Thanks. For the second one, how was greater black backed eliminated? For me, I'd expect the gull just to have an overall more huge look (if you will) with a larger, stockier bill. Just my observation. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IKLland Posted August 23, 2022 Author Share Posted August 23, 2022 Just now, Seanbirds said: For me, I'd expect the gull just to have an overall more huge look (if you will) with a larger, stockier bill. Just my observation. Thanks. I could see it. If it’s not a GBBG, then do you think Herring or Lesser black backed? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seanbirds Posted August 23, 2022 Share Posted August 23, 2022 Just now, IKLland said: Thanks. I could see it. If it’s not a GBBG, then do you think Herring or Lesser black backed? I'm honestly not sure. The body proportions seem pretty good for Herring, but you know that isn't completely reliable, especially coming from me. But I lean Herring anyways. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobinHood Posted August 23, 2022 Share Posted August 23, 2022 I'm still struggling with the first bird. Initial impression doesn't seem "Herring like" enough for a Great BB, but it may be the angle. The feet and especially the toes definitely look pink, early August so maybe an immature bird approaching adulthood. Can Great Black-backed be eliminated? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gpoole Posted August 23, 2022 Share Posted August 23, 2022 I believe the second bird is a young subadult Lesser Black-backed Gull. My research has shown that it may be transitioning from the second summer to the third winter. Smallish,rounded head; slender straight bill; and long wings of this bird helps to separate it from similarly plumaged Great Black-backed Gulls. The white head and upper breast with moderate streaking are not uncommon in this species at this age in late summer. Birds of this age often show pink legs, but some could have yellow legs as well. I am no expert and give credit to "Gulls Simplified" by Pete Dunne and Kevin T. Karlson for my comments. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlexHenry Posted August 23, 2022 Share Posted August 23, 2022 (edited) 1 hour ago, RobinHood said: I'm still struggling with the first bird. Initial impression doesn't seem "Herring like" enough for a Great BB, but it may be the angle. The feet and especially the toes definitely look pink, early August so maybe an immature bird approaching adulthood. Can Great Black-backed be eliminated? It’s not in adult plumage so the leg color can’t be used reliably, in this age of Lesser Black-backed I would expect pinkish-yellow legs. Mostly I am saying Lesser over Greater due to structure/giss, including what I interpret as a relatively slender, graceful head and bill. But you’re right it is hard to be certain without size comparison to other gulls, seeing some different postures/angles, etc. I could be wrong, but I don’t think I am Edited August 23, 2022 by AlexHenry 2 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlexHenry Posted August 23, 2022 Share Posted August 23, 2022 Just now, AlexHenry said: It’s not in adult plumage so the leg color can’t be used reliably, in this age of Lesser Black-backed I would expect pinkish-yellow legs. Mostly I am saying Lesser over Greater due to structure/giss, including what I interpret as a relatively slender, graceful head and bill. But you’re right it is hard to be certain without size comparison to other gulls, seeing some different postures/angles, etc. I could be wrong, but I don’t think I am Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlexHenry Posted August 23, 2022 Share Posted August 23, 2022 As for the second bird I don’t think I’d feel comfortable identifying it without seeing the back and upperwing. Perhaps someone else can give a more definitive answer though 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Stanton Posted August 23, 2022 Share Posted August 23, 2022 I think the red orbital ring on the first bird conclusively rules out Herring Gull, which I hope is worth adding in case since some people may have noted this and not pointed it out. I never even considered GBBG for the first bird because it doesn't give that impression to me- and I've lived in New England and Western New York where I've seen a lot of them. 4 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DLecy Posted August 24, 2022 Share Posted August 24, 2022 The second bird looks fine for a 2CY Lesser Black-backed Gull to me. 4 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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