hi all -
This evening, just before dusk, about a dozen of us were treated to a
visit by the Slaty-backed Gull in Renton [King County].
The Slaty-backed was first noticed at about 5:00, near the north end
of the floating logs in Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park. We watched
until the light gave out at around 5:30. Although there were several
darkish Western gulls around to tempt us, once the SBGU was located
it definitely stood out from the others. Shape, the dark smudging
around the eyes, and the less bulky bill also helped distinguish it
from the Westerns. During the time we observed it, it also spread
its wings several times, showing the wing-patterning.

From the sounds of previous reports [which resembled today's
behavior] it might be getting into a bit of a pattern -- late
arrival, towards the north end of the line of gulls that congregate
there.

Best,

Matt Bartels,
Seattle, WA
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