May 5, 2012 Iceland Gull and Thayer's Gull

Seward, Alaska Sporadic Bird Report

Weather: Wintery weather continues with temps in the mid to low 40s plus cold light rain and chilly south breeze. The gray wall of water seems to bring the birds, who are determined to stay on their timetable despite the weather.

The seafood processing plant on Lowell Point Road wasn't operating today but there were plenty of gulls hanging around in anticipation of the next delivery. Most of the GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULLS lounged on the beach. A few paddled around with MEW GULLS and BLACK-LEGGED KITTIWAKES.  Among them was a very pale gull, just a bit smaller than a glaucous-winged gull with a round head and a dark eye; the mostly black bill had a very pale pinkish/beige base. I was very pleased to learn that this is a ICELAND GULL and a Lifer for me. Thanks to Kris Cassity for his keen eye and bird books analysis, and to Joe Staab for the verification.

Just a short way down, a juvenile THAYER'S GULL paddled slowly along the shore, picking at the surface.

Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter








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