AlexHenry Posted December 20, 2019 Share Posted December 20, 2019 Lake Merritt, Oakland CA today. Probably just Western x Glaucous-winged Gull. However I was wondering about Slaty-backed Gull, which I have no experience with. Probably nothing exciting, I just struggle with young gulls sometimes. Unfortunately didn't see it move too much, didn't see any other poses. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlexHenry Posted December 20, 2019 Author Share Posted December 20, 2019 Thick base to bill is what suggests Slaty-backed Gull to me but head shape suggests Glaucous-winged parentage and plumage is good for Glaucous-winged x Western Gull hybrid so I'm pretty sure this is Glaucous-winged x Western. Just want to make sure I'm on the right track. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobinHood Posted December 20, 2019 Share Posted December 20, 2019 I agree that the base of the bill appears somewhat heavy although my older Sibley says Slaty-backed has a thinner bill than Western. I suspect Glaucous-winged x Western is probably correct but this is my first year for serious gull IDs so hopefully @akiley or someone similarly experienced will help out. Just a long winded bump. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akiley Posted December 20, 2019 Share Posted December 20, 2019 (edited) I'm not an expert on West Coast gulls but from what I know I would agree with Glaucous-winged x Western. Western Gulls, especially immature birds tend to have really thick bills, so maybe this bird has more Western that Glaucous-winged in it. I don't think it's a Slaty-backed. Edited December 20, 2019 by akiley 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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