Lesser Black-backed Gull in St. Louis County
2013-10-08

'Rare Regular' in Minnesota

This juvenile Lesser Black-backed Gull was seen several days ago at the Superior Entry (October 8) while birding with Peder Svingen. We were standing at the lighthouse and looking down at the bird, so this photo shows off its dramatically patterned plumage, showing that even seagulls can look pretty spanking. This bird can be identified as Lesser Black-backed by the entirely dark bill, dark ear coverts, streaked head and breast, lack of a pale inner primary panel, and extensive white tail base and rump- you can even see the diagnostic tertial pattern in this close-up of the bird in flight (narrow, even white outer edge to each dark father lacks any internal notching of white into dark).

Karl J. Bardon