[mou] California Gull, Dakota Co.

[James Mattsson]

9:30 - 10:00 a.m. Nov. 16
One mile north of I494 on Hardman Ave., South St. Paul
Viewed from spiral walkay (trail)

I studied a 3rd cycle California Gull among a resting flock of about 400 gulls, mostly Ring-billeds and a few Herrings. The bird appeared very much like an adult RBGU but had blue legs, feet and bill, and a dark eye. The long bill had a complete black subterminal ring, again very much like adult RBGU. Although more attenuated in profile due to longer primary extension, it was not much larger than RBGUs (small female?), nor was the mantle noticeably darker (strong sunlight influence?) , suggesting the race L.c. albertensis.  The bird is easily overlooked without seeing the blue legs and bill. It was the only gull walking around among the resting gulls, which it jabbed at aggressively as it moved about. It finally took flight all alone and provided views of the upper wing - dark extending from the primaries all the way to the bend of the wing. It was last seen fly downriver. 

James Mattsson
mattjim at earthlink.net
EarthLink Revolves Around You.
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