Subject: Glaucous X GW hybrid
Date: Mar 14 10:05:46 2000
From: Dan Victor - dcv at scn.org


\\\\-.___ /\___/\ ___.-////
<_/ | O O | \_>
|___V___|

This message is being forwarded to Tweeters (by Dan Victor) because the
original sender is *not* subscribed. Please copy this email address
with any responses : mailto:SGMlod at aol.com

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Tue, 14 Mar 2000 11:52:33 EST
>From Steve Mlodinow (SGMlod at aol.com)

Greetings All

The Glaucous X GW hybrid had plumage that was almost perfect for a
Glaucous Gull- the overall body color was paler than 1st winter GW Gulls
and the primaries were nearly white. In flight the bird looked
exceptionally pale. Problem- the bill was black. Actually, on close
inspection, the basal two-thirds of the bill were a bit paler than the
distal third, but essentially the bill was all dark. Body size was the
that of a GWGull, with perhaps a bit shorter primary extension. The bird
was a bit worn, but not moreso than similarly aged GWGUs that were about,
and I don't think this was a faded GWGU. Faded young GWGUs that are this
pale have all looked exceptionally worn to me and typically appear in
May/June. Actually, ignoring structure but looking only at plumage and
bill color, this bird was a dead ringer for a 1st year Iceland Gull (which
may give you a better idea of its appearance), but shape and structure
wise, it was in line with Glaucous and GW Gulls.

The bird was in the aeration ponds when we walked past around 7:30am, but
was apparently gone when D Paulson walked by around 9:00 or 10:00.
Interestingly, he had three Herring Gulls there. We had none at 7:30 or at
10:30 (when we returned), but did have a Thayer's Gull at 10:30 (none at
7:30). The large gulls at the Everett STP move back and forth a lot. There
is movement to and from Port Gardner Bay, but also to and from the river.
If you park at the south end of Langus Riverside Park and walk the trail
along the river behind the STP buildings, you will come to a log raft on
the far side of the river. This often has hundreds of big gulls (almost
entirely GWGU) roosting. This is a good spot to pick up a Thayer's or two.
I check it rarely, because its about a 15 min walk, but nonetheless,
probably it deserves more attention.

I'll stop rambling now.

Cheers
Steve Mlodinow
mailto:SGMlod at aol.com