Gull ID appreciated.

[RobinHood]

Southern Ontario at the weekend.

I am trying to pay more attention to gulls so this one is a little random but hoping it will improve my ID skills.

I cannot decide between 3rd Winter Herring Gull and 2nd Winter Ring-billed (we do have an adult Great B-b hanging around but immature doesn't seem to fit) although I am sure it will be obvious when you point out the clues.

I have been looking at size (it seemed Herring size), the black bill ring, eye color, head and shoulder streaking, dashed not solid black on tail feathers,  and particularly the very bright orange feet and toned down orange legs.

I looked at a lot of images but none seemed to have all of these characteristics.

[geoffclarke]

I am far from a gull expert, but I like taking guesses. Based on the heft of the bill and pink of the feet, I'd say Herring.

[RobinHood]

Thanks Geoff, I agree on the bill size and I was almost convinced it is Herring but the tail (more R-b) made me have second thoughts, but could be transitioning between black (3rd winter) and white (adult). I think you have to be correct.

[adrian]

I agree with Herring Gull based on the hefty bill, pink feet, and extent of black on the wingtips. Nice shot.

[RobinHood]

Thanks Adrian, looks like a consensus. I had almost ignored gulls until now but they are quite interesting.

[adrian]

Yes, gulls are very interesting, no matter what lens you look at them through! And this may not be a popular opinion, but I find them quite beautiful.