Just a 3rd yr Lesser Black-backed Gull? - Eastern Pennsylvania (USA), 9 March (1 Viewer)

[birdmeister]

Hello all,

One LBBG caught my eye today among 15 or so in with Ring-billeds. I thought it looked odd with such a bold bill ring, but Sibley's guide illustrates 3rd yr as showing this feature. I couldn't locate it for certain after it flew, finding one bird with a bill ring but also the red gonydeal spot. Perhaps just the same bird but at a better angle?

Anyway, I'm interested in what people have to say on this (rather poor) image, although I'm expecting that it's just an older imm. LBBG.

 

[lou salomon]

4cy (or 3rd cycle) LBBG it is. note lack of large apicals and pale bill colour. amount of black is very variable in immatures and can appear even in adults during autumn/winter, usually not as bold as in this one.

 

[birdmeister]

Thank you Lou! Informative as usual.