Greetings,

On my walk this morning I viewed a juvenile Laughing Gull at
Wenatchee,Chelan County, WA.

The bird was seen from about 0830 to 0930 on the muddy shore line at the
south end of Wenatchee Confluence State Park [which was viewed from the Loop
Trail at Walla Walla Point Park] and also flying low over the lawns and
ballfields at Walla Walla Point Park which is just south of Wenachee
Confluence State Park. At about 0930 the bird flew with some Ring-billed
Gulls and headed north along the shoreline and
landed on the shoreline between the campground and wading area at Wenatchee
Confluence State Park.

To get to Walla Walla Point Park: from Wenatchee Avenue head east on Hawley
St, then on Miller St, then on Walla Walla Ave. After entering the park take
the left fork to the ballfield parking. Get on the paved loop trail that
runs along the river. My viewing was done from the trail adjacent to
ballfield #4 where you can inspect the shoreline to the north, where the
gull was seen. The gull was also flying low over the ballfields with
Ring-billed Gulls.

Look for a gull that is smaller than any of the Ring-bills, perhaps the size
of a Mew...with a darker mantle than the Ring-bills...dark brown with pale
feather edges, blackish bill and legs. The thick bill is proportionately
very long
and drooping at the tip. This is one of the first things noticed about this
bird. The bird has some brownish on the head mostly on the eye to the
nape..not strongly defined-not forming a blackish half hood that a
Franklin's Gull would typically show. White eye crescents were seen...not
especially noticeable. Underparts whitish with some brownish on the breast.
In flight a BROAD blackish subterminal tail band across ALL of the tail
feathers contrasting with a whitish tail and rump. Great views of this!
On the upperside of the wing the outer half is blackish brown contrasting
with the brownish inner half. Looks long-winged.
Didn't pay any attention to the underwing.

Good Birding,
Dave Beaudette
Wenatchee,WA
drtbrdr at earthlink.net