Gull Identification in San Diego, California, USA - 7/15/24 (1 Viewer)

[ShlundoKyogre]

Dear the Wonderful users of this forum,

I have seen a flock of gulls on the nearby shore in which I was able to photograph. I was nearly sure they are Western gulls but I also know that they could be a rare Glacous-Winged hybrid as well. Thanks for all your support and images will be provided below to assist with the ID. Could the Gull in the 3rd photo be a rare hybrid although the photos location says otherwise?

All feedback is indeed very appreciated.

Thanks,
Shlundo

 

[rkj]

All look like pure Western to me, though it would help to know the dates of the photos. In Summer any Western/Glaucous-winged hybrid would be quite rare.

 

[ShlundoKyogre]

Thanks for your feedback, the photos were taken yesterday so July 14, 2024 to be exact. Hope this helps!

Thanks,
Shlundo

 

[Southern Viking]

They look pure Western to me too. They're just quite worn, hence the slightly faded bits on the last ones primaries

 

[ShlundoKyogre]

In response, thanks so much for your feedback as it is much appreciated. Also I should mention one individual of the gulls shown in the third photo I listed's back feathers seem to appear a lighter gray than the other individual gulls I photographed and listed. Is this perhaps due to the worn plumage you have mentioned? Or is it perhaps due to a different reason?

Thanks and all the best,
Shlundo

 

[Southern Viking]

In response, thanks so much for your feedback as it is much appreciated. Also is the reason one individual of the gulls I have photographed back feathers seem to appear a lighter gray than the other individual gulls I photographed due to the worn plumage you have mentioned? Or is it perhaps due to a different reason?

Thanks,
Shlundo

The first two are quite strongly lit from above, and the last looks like it was taken in flatter light conditions. The lit areas of the first two birds' uppers appear more or less the same as the last bird. The darker areas are just in shadow

 

[ShlundoKyogre]

Thanks so much for your explanation it is so appreciated! Happy to have this bird identied as a Western Gull with all of your help!

Thanks and best birding,
Shlundo