Tweets,

There was an army of birders staked out this evening at the Cedar River Mouth in hopes of an appearance by the Slaty-backed, but it was quite dark when a mess more gulls arrived, too dark to see.

However, about 4:45 the disputed "Bob" showed up and gave a good show. Initially called out as an adult Glaucous, it was however, as has often been noted, delicate about the head and bill, having a short, slight bill, nicely rounded crown, pale yellow iris (and I think a dark orbital ring, but the light was failing), and nearly immaculate head (with virtually no visible streaking),and long wings (folded primaries extended ca. 1.5 inches beyond the tail tip), and the size of the Thayer's in the flock. So why people still insist it must be a runt Glaucous that just happens to look just like an Iceland is beyond me.

So, I call it an Iceland, likely a male as it is on the large end, and likely the nominate race as the primaries seem immaculate white.

Let the debate rage on.

Gene Hunn.
18476 47th Pl. NE
Lake Forest Park, WA 98155
enhunn323 at comcast.net