Wondering about "Murray" the Lake Pueblo Great Black-backed Gull

[David Suddjian]

Hi Co-Birders,

I thought I'd post some photos here to see if anyone has any thoughts on what is going on with Lake Pueblo's famous long-visiting Great Black-backed Gull, nicknamed "Murray."  We were viewing him near the South Marina on January 1 on a DFO field trip. Melody Serra took some good photos, and when I looked at them after the trip I noticed that something appears to be wrong with his face where it meets the bill, and the left and right sides are not the same. Check out the images here by Melody Serra and share if you have any insights. Brandon Percival informs me that, if it is indeed the same wintering individual over many years, it would be 34 years old. That is one old gull. 

https://ebird.org/checklist/S291774085

David Suddjian

Littleton, CO

[Ginny Bergstrom]

Here is one of Murray today.  Was so excited to catch him all by himself and not on the tires.  Not the best photo as the wind was whipping but if anyone cares to try and edit my photo to see his face better, feel free.  Thanks.

Ginny Bergstrom

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From: cob...@googlegroups.com <cob...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of David Suddjian <dsud...@gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, January 4, 2026 2:15 PM
To: Colorado Birds <cob...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: [cobirds] Wondering about "Murray" the Lake Pueblo Great Black-backed Gull

 

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