Slaty-backed Gull in Washington County
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'Casual' in Minnesota - First record for Washington County in the Spring season

This probable 4th cycle Slaty-backed Gull was found by Jim Mattsson and Mark Ochs Jan. 14, 2007, at Pt. Douglas Park, Washington County, MN. It was about 400-500m away swimming, flying, standing, and aggressively chasing the 300+ Herring Gulls present. On Jan. 15, it was photographed on the Wisconsin side of the channel. This bird shares several characteristics in common with the Slaty-backed Gull photographed at Lake Manawa, Iowa, in December, including dark markings on the outer two left rectrices. If accepted by MOURC, this will be only the 3rd state record (assuming the December bird is accepted as the 2nd state record)-- all occuring in less than one year of each other.

Digiscoped photo taken Jan. 15, 2007, Prescott, WI, by Jim Mattsson. For more images of this bird see -- http://www.pbase.com/chewy2b/jm_15jan