Iceland Gull (Thayer's) in St. Louis County
2019-11-03

Five or fewer records in St. Louis County for the Fall season

This adult Thayer's-type Iceland Gull was standing on the breakwall at Canal Park in Duluth among a group of about 150 Herring Gulls, along with several Ring-billeds and at least 2 other Thayer's-type Icelands. These gulls were also present here on November 1 and on previous days, most often in mid-afternoon. Note pale brown iris, deep pink leg color, and especially the reduced amount of black on the under side of the right wing tip. (With wings spread while stretching, larger amount of white on upper side of primary tips was also visible.)

Kim R. Eckert; "digiscope" image with 25-60x Swarovski spotting scope