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December 2007

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From:
Leidy Gabe <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Leidy Gabe <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Sun, 16 Dec 2007 09:39:42 -0800
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Hey all -

The Local Patch Birding trip was basically rained out
this morning, but I decided to perservere.  Most of my
morning was spent at East 72nd St, where there a few
thousand gulls to pick through.  Three LESSER
BLACK-BACKEDS were present (2 adults, 1 2nd-winter),
but it was two other identical birds that piqued my
interest.

Both birds stood out right away because they were
quite noticeably larger and darker-mantled than the
numerous Herring Gulls.  The mantle color was a
charcoal gray, landing appx. midway between Herring
and Lesser Black-backed Gulls.  The heads were bright
white, with only a few fine streaks on the nape.  The
bills were bright yellow with red gonydeal spot, but
slightly longer and bulkier than Herring.  The
gonydeal spot also seemed to be a bit larger, as a
result.  The legs were pink and the eye yellowish
clear.  Structurally, the birds were quite a bit
larger than the Herrings, with bulkier and wider
heads, which were quite flattened on top and sqaured
off toward the rear.  Overall, sizewize, the birds
fell between Herring and Great Black-backed, as I was
afforded numerous comparisons with both.  The white
primary spots appeared slightly larger and the
primaries longer than Herring.  In flight, the birds
flew with deep, slow wingbeats reminiscent of Great
Black-backed Gull, probably due to their larger size.
There was a charcoal bar extending up the trailing
edge of the wing's underside.

Basically, to me, these birds showed every indication
of being HERRINGxGREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL hyrbids.  I
admit that Western Gull crossed my mind numerous
times, but size would seem to rule that species out.
They fell between Herring and Great Black-backed in
every department.  These birds were definitely unique,
though, and stood out with the naked eye at quite a
distance.  I welcome comments from those familiar with
this hybrid.

As I was leaving, a flock of 200+ Snow Buntings flew
over heading due south.  A Peregrine pair and a
White-crowned Sparrow were also nice.

Good birding -
Gabe Leidy
Cleveland


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