Possible Laughing Gull, Custer Co.

[mille...@aol.com]

Yesterday and today I watched and photographed a black headed gull at DeWeese Reservoir which I am about 90% certain was a breeding plumage Laughing Gull.  I was 100% certain until I read K. Kaufman's caution that some first summer Franklin's Gulls can resemble an adult Laughing Gull.

 

The wing pattern of my gull was typical for a Laughing Gull.  The upper wing had a gray mantle with white trailing edge and all black tips on the primaries.  The under wing was white with black on the primaries.  The head was solid black; no indication of being a partial hood.  The bill and head shape look close to the Laughing Gulls pictured in various field guides.

 

I have good photos both profile and flying if someone would like to look at them and offer an opinion.  The photos aren't posted anywhere; I would have to e-mail them.

 

A pleasant surprise on the return home was the many dozens Lark Buntings in the fields north of Wetmore.  I haven't seen them here in these numbers for several years.

 

Rich Miller

Canon City