Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, Mexico— Western Gull? (1 Viewer)

[alis yoder]

Trying to get better at gulls. This bird was right on the coast in Puerto Peñasco on the Gulf of California on Feb 8. I believe adult, basic plumage. Pale eye, dark gray back, the legs were pale, and looked somewhat yellow and somewhat pink depending on light, but I remember thinking they looked more pink than yellow generally. I am thinking western? But seems like perhaps could be lesser black backed. Head proportion and dark color don’t seem right for herring…

One thing I can’t discern is if the black and red tip on bill is helpful.

Thanks for any help.

 

[alis yoder]

Trying to get better at gulls. This bird was right on the coast in Puerto Peñasco on the Gulf of California on Feb 8. I believe adult, basic plumage. Pale eye, dark gray back, the legs were pale, and looked somewhat yellow and somewhat pink depending on light, but I remember thinking they looked more pink than yellow generally. I am thinking western? But seems like perhaps could be lesser black backed. Head proportion and dark color don’t seem right for herring…

One thing I can’t discern is if the black and red tip on bill is helpful.

Thanks for any help.
View attachment 1627384View attachment 1627385

After researching more, it seems like it’s also very possible this is a 2nd year Yellow Footed, as it looks like their legs don’t start turning yellow until well into the second year. Hmm. Does seem more likely from date and location.

 

[lou salomon]

Quite tricky as a few Western Gulls also can show a yellow tingue to legs at the beginning of spring/mating time. But the bird isn't full adult, it's a 3rd cycle (3rd winter) due to small white primary tips fading towards outer ones to almost null, and black primary coverts. So, it's a Yellow-footed Gull allright.