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| Illinois. March. |
Age: The mottled brown upperparts immediately suggest a young 1st or 2nd cycle type large gull. The obvious pointed tips to the visible primaries, juvenile-like wing panel, and apparent post-juvenile scapulars (e.g., 1st alternate), combine to make this a 1st cycle.
Identification: The checkered wing panel with white body recall one of the black-backed gulls. Lesser Black-backed tends to have less white throughout and darker outer greater coverts. This individual has broad white edges to the lower tertials, a large, heavy black bill and a plump body. All features point to a 1st cycle Great Black-backed Gull, and that's what our October Quiz bird was identified as.
EVERY PARTICIPANT WHO SUBMITTED A REPLY THIS MONTH SUBMITTED THE CORRECT ANSWER. THAT HAS ONLY HAPPENED 2-3 TIMES BEFORE. WOO-HOO! THANKS FOR PLAYING.