I saw a bird that matches Marcus's description yesterday during
my efforts. It was a 3d summer California Gull. Of course,
I only saw a bird matching his description. He saw what he
saw and gets to decide what it was. And while my reading of
his description does not match the photos Charlie posted,
it doesn't mean he didn't see the bird (descriptions can be
very subjective).

There are lots of California Gulls at the site, in every possible
plumage variation. Some 3rd summer individuals retain black in
the tail. Sibley shows this in the "3rd winter" picture. I saw
quite a few of these Californias, though only one with enough tail
showing to make me stop. Black-tailed Gull should have obvious,
unequivocal black on the tail not "smudgy" marks.

It's easy to let one's enthusiasm run ahead of the fieldmarks in
a chase. Those making the chase in the next couple days will learn
a lot about California and Heermann's Gulls...

http://www.pma.edmonton.ab.ca/vexhibit/eggs/vexeggs/charadr/_bird/calgull.gif
http://miriameaglemon.com/photogallery/California%20Gull%20Fiesta.jpg

--- Marcus.D.Roening's original message ----
Since we couldn't cinch it with a nice black tail, we'd love to have others
add their thoughts. I know I've never seen any other gull with that
particular beak coloration & pattern (along with all the rest of the field
marks) and back at home, Harrison's Seabirds didn't give me any other ideas
than Black-tailed.
--- end ----

--
Mike Patterson
Astoria, OR
celata at pacifier.com