There were Ring-billed gulls present as well as California Gulls. I mention these first because the gull I saw was in this size range.
It w as also very slender, not bulky like the larger gulls nearby.
The gulls were present on the football field at Meridian South and 136th on South Hill near Puyallup. I work at Firgrove Elementarysouth of the field.
I tried to get another look at it this morning, but there was a lot more action than yesterday. The birds didn't sit still for me. I'm not sure the bird in question was present, though I thought I caught a quick glimpse of it.
The plumage gave me the impression of a winter adult. Can a third winter juvenile give that impression?
I did not get a look at the tail. Wings folded, there appeared to be a pattern in the primaries but the wing tips were very pale, offering little contrast with the white.
I'll be the first to admit my inexperience with gulls. My size estimate especially could be way off.
Thanks for your input!
Michael Brown
MBEB1215 at delphi.com
Puyallup, WA