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Hi Dave,
What about structure on Thayer's Gull? Yesterday at Ice Harbor Dam near
Pasco, Scott Ray & myself observed a perched 3rd winter, fairly
light-mantled gull with black wingtips with beautiful bright pink legs. The
bird had a light iris with dark fleckings. Most distinctive was the dainty
head structure and slender bill. Looking at Grant's gull id book, studying
the fifty-odd Herring Gull photos, especially head profiles and one sees
Herrings all have that "mean" look, created,I suppose by the massive,
gently sloping head profile and light eye.I called it this bird a Thayer's
Gull, primarily on the more "gentle" head structure, but also the slight
bill structure, brighter pink legs. The eye wasn't right for the majority
of Thayer's according to Grant, but he clearly notes there are exceptions
(p. 172). Grant emphasizes structure also, when other characters are
confusing. By the way, Thayer's Gulls are quite rare, but regular in the
interior of Washington from late October through at least January.

Andy Stepniewski
Wapato, WA