Thursday, January 21, 2010

Bonaparte's Gull?

Continuing to dig through my 2009 archives I found a series of gull shots taken at our local lake. Gulls are not frequent visitors here but each spring a few sightings do occur as migratory flocks pass through.

Such was the occasion on April 18th when I observed a flock of about twenty gulls. After they had settled on the water they allowed me to approach to within only a few feet while using the electric trolling motor on slow speed to maneuver the boat.

I have dug through my reference material and searched the web in my attempt to identify this gull. My best guess is that it’s a Bonaparte’s Gull transitioning between winter and breeding plumage. If anyone can positively identify my gull please comment. Your comments are always welcome and ID help is very much appreciated!


5 comments:

Chris said...

Hi Coy,
I think you are right about the ID but a gull specialist advice will definitively be better than mine ;-) Beautiful picture!

Peggy said...

Very artistic crop! Looks great!

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

Good shot,but,as for ID,you had better ask someone else.In my PSE files I have them tagged as Gulls.Does that tell you about my ID skills for these birds?
Blessings,Ruth

Montanagirl said...

Terrific photo, but I'm not any help on the I.D.

Meggie said...

I just dropped by to see if anyone identified the gull. Guess most of us just enjoy your talented photos, Coy. Not many bird experts among us, I guess.