As to the question of whether this is a Glaucous or Glaucous-winged Gull....
this gull was definately larger than any of the other GW Gulls near it. When
it flew it had a much larger wing span. Through the scope the eye showed a
faint yellowish tinge which does not show in the photos. I am certainly no
expert at sub-adult gulls but seeing it side by side with other gulls it
sure stood out. More opinions from gull experts are appreciated. Pictures
are one thing but seeing it is another.
http://home.pacifier.com/~birder/gull.html

Sherry Hagen
Vancouver, WA
littlebirder at netzero.net


>>>>>Hello all,
This bird doesn't look right for a Glaucous Gull to me from the
photos, being blotched with dark gray and white and no patterning at all. If
this was a Glaucous, it seems it would have to be both melanistic and
albinistic at the same time. A third year Glaucous Gull is generally quite
adult-like except for the bill, and shouldn't have patches of white on the
scapulars. They also should always have a glaringly pale eye. The head is
rather rounded on this bird compared to Glaucous, and has a "blank face" in
contrast to the fierce look of some Glaucous. This bird looks more like a
partially albino immature Glaucous-winged Gull in my opinion. It does look a
bit large with a large bill, but probably within the range of a male
Glaucous-winged.

Cheers and good birding,

Charlie Wright
Birdking88 at aol.com
Sumner, WA