Tweets,

Nigel wrote:

Regarding the lesser black-backed gull in eastern Washington, has anyone had
a good look at the primary molt? My understanding is that while Heuglin?s
Gull can be virtually indistinguishable from LBBG, at this time of the year
LBBG ought to have almost complete primary molt (the outermost one or two
primaries new but short, perhaps), which should be relatively easy to see. I
would love to hear from anyone who has looked at it closely in that regard
(and it would be nice to document that feature for the record). (Forgive me
if this has already been discussed and I missed it).



Cheers,

Nigel Ball,
Bainbridge Island.


I too would be interested if anyone noted the length of P-8, 9, or 10. I
did not notice the length of the outer primaries on November 5 (though I
believe they were completely grown out as the wings were very long and
slender), but I did note that at least one or two of the inner primaries
were missing on this bird. Probably P-1, 2, or 3 but could have been as far
out as P-4 or 5. In truth these missing feathers could have even been outer
secondaries, but I believe they were inner primaries.
This being true (I hope someone else can confirm this feature who viewed
the bird in flight) then this could indeed be Heuglin's Gull. According to
Olsen/Larsson Heuglin's non-breeders could be molting primaries at this
time. Molt is suspended during migration, but continue once wintering
grounds are reached. This bird is wintering in the area and we should keep
an eye our for this molt pattern. Perhaps Nigel could share some light on
where this leaves us, as I am only working on theory here.

Cheers

Doug Schonewald
Moses Lake, WA
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