Matt sent me an emlargement of just the primaries of the 3rd cycle
bird which pretty cleanly show a big p10 mirror which would be
consistant with Slaty-backed and highly unusual in a Western or
dark-primaried Western/GW hybrid.

I'm kind of surprised that Matt didn't mention that out loud to folks.

Anyway, I have now joined the "at least 2 Slaty-backs" camp.

Well spotted, all.

>Mr Shelmerdine opined:
The bird Matt photographed and labeled as a presumed 3rd cycle Slaty-back is
the bird I focus on below.

Description: A large and heavy gull often presenting a pot-bellied aspect.
(Though this aspect is often minimized when extended and feeding as in Matts
photos). I also noted a somewhat hunch-backed look when extended, though I
don't know that this was at all unique. This is a/the third year bird with a
smudgy bill, dark gray-brown tail and some dark brown feathers in the coverts.
(Some great photos by the way Matt, thanks for posting).




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

When bad photos happen to good birds
http://www.surfbirds.com/blogs/mbalame/archives/2008/03/photo20080313.html