It appears that the Franklin's Gull that I identified earlier in the day at the Conneaut Harbor, was actually an adult Black-headed Gull, or a first summer bird with a nearly all black hood. After my hasty morning post, my wife Denise was determined to convince me that what we saw was a Black-headed Gull, not a Franklin's Gull. Fortunately I was able to get close-up photos of the gull, that we looked at when we got home. After researching thru numerous field guides, I concluded she was correct. To confirm my verification, I sent the photos to several expert birding friends. They all responded Black-headed Gull. Apparently the Black-headed Gull did not read the Ohio Bird Records Committee Annotated Checklist; which shows no records in May or June. During our morning visit I was able to get close-up photos of the Black-headed Gull, Laughing Gull, and a Ruddy Turnstone. They can be made available upon request. If visiting the Conneaut harbor and sandspit area, keep in mind that on next weekend, last year, we had Wilson's Phalarope and Snowy Plover. 

Bob Lane / Mahoning County                                        
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