Various Gulls, Quidi Vidi

[Jared Clarke]

Stopped by Quidi Vidi twice today (10:30-12:30; 4:00-5:15), trying to
sneak a peak at some gulls through the fog and drizzle. While eagles
did not seem to be a problem as they often are, the gulls were spread
out over the ice, many in places not easily observed from our typical
viewing perches. Good numbers, though, with the largest (~4000) on my
second visit.

Nothing earth-shattering, but a few goodies:

* Possible adult "argentatus" (northern European) Herring Gull. This
bird is just slightly darker than other adult HEGU, with dark legs
suggesting it is not a hybrid of some sort. Still has plent of
head-streaking. I first found and photographed this individual earlier
in the week.

* Possible 1st winter European Herring Gull. Seen briefly, but it
looked right. When it flew, the tail band was thin and the rump pale.
Wings in flight showed nice pale inner primaries. Lost it in a crowd
after only very brief looks.

* Lesser Black-backed Gulls (LBBG) -- Not huge numbers, but at least 5
individuals seen throughout the day (all immature 1st and 2nd winter
types).

* Common Gull - 2. The regular 1st and 2nd winter individuals.

* Probable LBBGxHEGU hybrids - 2. Both adults, showing mantles that are
intermediate in colour between these two species. One showed notably
yellowish legs, while the other was asleep with legs hidden (but it
looked like an individual observed at the dump last weekend).

* 1st winter HEGUxGLGU hybrid -- pointed out to me by BM.

* An increase in numbers of Iceland and Glaucous Gulls over the last
couple weeks, although still much less than earlier in the winter.
Maybe the mauzy weather brought them back??

Jared