Sabine's Gull in St. Louis County
2010-09-20

'Rare Regular' in Minnesota

This juvenile Sabine's Gull was present late this afternoon on the bay side of Park Point in Duluth. I first saw it flying by 36th Street and relocated it a short time later as it swam in the bay among Ring-billed Gulls out from the Recreation Area. It was still present at 6 pm when I and other birders left the area. Note its smaller size in comparison with the Ring-billeds in the photo; also visible are the pale feather edges on the back and the brownish-gray wash on the side of the neck, nape, and hindcrown typical of juvenile plumage. In flight this species' unique upper wing pattern of black, white, and brownish-gray triangles was observed.

Kim R. Eckert