Lesser Black-backed Gull in St. Louis County
2010-09-25

'Rare Regular' in Minnesota

Same bird as the image below. This image more clearly depicts the brownish cast to some of the upper wing-coverts. Also note the reduced amount of white in the wingtip (e.g., no white mirror on outermost primaries), blackish upper primary wing-coverts, and black extending onto the alula. Except for a wisp of gray on the outermost pair of rectrices, this individual lacked a tail band and showed an adult-like bill pattern, suggesting that it's entering its fourth plumage cycle. Its legs and feet are yellow.

Digital image by Peder H. Svingen