photo sharing and upload picture albums photo forums search pictures popular photos photography help login
Type your message and click Add Comment
It is best to login or register first but you may post as a guest.
Enter an optional name and contact email address. Name
Name Email
help private comment
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