Speaking of gulls...

[MikeIrwin]

Could someone confirm for me that the attached gull is a Greater Black Backed: I imagine it is, but the head seems to be more than 'faintly streaked' (taken at Port Stanley a Month or so back)




...and while I'm at it... this is an older shot (2007) of a Goldeneye with an odd bill. Is it possible that it crossbred with a Scoter of some type? Or is it just me?



Any opinions would be appreciated.

TIA,
Mike

[JTF]

I would go with a Great Blacked Gull, I believe the streaking on the head is heavier and darker on the leser than yours. As for the second one your guess may be right, with a bill like that a Hybrid is most likely. Great pics sir.

[mark75]

Although not the best indicator of species, the size of your gull could help ID it positively. Greater Black-backed are much larger than Lesser black-backed gulls. Did you get any look at the legs ?

I just came back from St. John's and I can tell you that I don't think I saw any "senior" GBBGs with that much streaking. It is true that LBBG generally have more streaking but there is variability.

One other possibility is that this could be a hybrid...

[MikeIrwin]

Thanks for the responses. Unfortunately I didn't get a look at his legs, here's the only shot that I have where they're visible:



As far as size, I could not give an honest answer beyond that it did not appear to me to be noticeably larger than a Herring.
I like the idea of chalking it up as a possible hybrid, I can start a pile for those pics