Hello Group,


I was reluctant to post a sighting of a Second year Black-tailed Gull until I could positively identify it by reviewing video. I watched the gull feeding at the game range. It was the only gull present on Monday at this site. The contrast between Black tail band and pure white vent and tail coverts was remarkable at 75- 150 feet. Also had whitish face contrasting with brownish hindneck, flesh pink, black with pinkish tip bill. This gull was nearly identical to the one on p.122. plate 21.8 of Peterson's GULLS reference guide. I was able to approach the bird to within 75 feet with minor reaction. It stayed and actively fed or about 35 minutes. The Black tail band and pure white vent really are attention grabbers and quite beautiful. Before dark I was at a very windy Bill's spit and found, what I can only speculate was the same bird soaring above me in the wind flashing the same beautiful tail, standing out from the other gulls present.


Imagine my surprise when I saw the posts for the adult at Tacoma on Tuesday.


Best regards,


Dan Reiff
Mercer Island