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Rick Bowes | profile | all galleries >> All galleries - photos 2012 and earlier >> Umbrella Gallery >> Odd Am. Herring Gulls (2) - 3rd or 4th year molt - Duxbury Beach, MA March, 2009 tree view | thumbnails | slideshow

Odd Am. Herring Gulls (2) - 3rd or 4th year molt - Duxbury Beach, MA March, 2009

These birds were photographed on the bay side of Duxbury Beach(MA) about 1/2mi above High Pines (3/4-11/2009). They appear to be a 3rd or 4th year American Herring Gulls. What appears to be a black spot on the flank is actually dark greater primary coverts. After studying both gull books [Gulls of the Americas (Howell and Dunn) and Gulls of North America, Europe and Asia (Olsen and Larsson)],one quickly realizes that aging birds like these in the field is a very inexact science! Pix 1-5 were taken 3/10 and all of Bird 1. Bird 2 was found 3/11. I believe it to be further along in 4th year molt due to p9 moon and whiter head. Pix 6-7, 8-9,10-11 show Bird 2 and then Bird 1 for comparison. I have posted additional comments under each of the picture titles.
Profile on water - right side    #5611
Profile on water - right side #5611
Tail and wing patterns   #5604
Tail and wing patterns #5604
Left wing and right underwing   #5607
Left wing and right underwing #5607
Left wing extended  #5606
Left wing extended #5606
Tail and both wings extended  # 5605
Tail and both wings extended # 5605
3/11 Bird 2 standing    #5689
3/11 Bird 2 standing #5689
3/11 Bird 1 standing   # 5674
3/11 Bird 1 standing # 5674
3/11 Bird 2  Left P9 with moon    #5696
3/11 Bird 2 Left P9 with moon #5696
3/11 Bird 1 Left P9 no moon   #5677
3/11 Bird 1 Left P9 no moon #5677
3/11 Bird 2 Right P9 with moon    #5695
3/11 Bird 2 Right P9 with moon #5695
3/11 Bird 1 Right P9 no moon    #5681
3/11 Bird 1 Right P9 no moon #5681
First Photos:  Odd Herring Gull molt - Duxbury Beach  03-04-2009
gallery: First Photos: Odd Herring Gull molt - Duxbury Beach 03-04-2009