On Sunday, Feb 3rd, I went to Bluffer's Park to look for Gulls by the boat launch area. Three years ago I saw my first Kumlien's and Thayer's Gulls in the area, I was hoping for a Glaucous. As soon I arrived I noticed one single gull bigger than the rest and very white. I took many photos of it and also as comparison I took shots of a few other varieties. I am going to post them with my own rudimentary ID. I hope someone chimes in to refute my claim or support it. I will very much appreciate your feedback. By the way there was considerable police presence in the park; apparently a person went missing the day before and the search continued in the area. I hope the person was found safe.
1 & 2. 2nd winter Glaucous Gull. Note massive size, white wing tips and short primaries.
3. Size Comparison. 2nd winter Glaucous in the middle, second year Kumlien's in the background, left to Glaucous and the adult Kumline's is in the foreground.
4. First year Herring (darker bird on the left) vs. second year Glaucous (on the right).
5. Second year Kumlien's( left) vs. 2nd year Glaucous (middle) vs. adult Herring Gull (right)
6. 2nd year Kumlien's (left) vs. 1st year Kumlien's (darker on the right) with Ring-billed in the middle.
7. 3rd year Kumlien's (left), 2nd year Kumlien's (middle) and adult Kumlien's (right).
