Documentation of
Short-billed Gull
2011-223
Observer Information
Reporter:
Doug Faulkner
Other Observers:
Lucia and Gabriel Faulkner; Original reported by Glenn Walbek on same day
Species, Date, Time and Location Information
Species:
Short-billed Gull
First Date/Time:
10/30/2011
Last Date/Time:
Duration (total time in view):
about 3 minutes
County:
Douglas
Specific Location:
Chatfield SP marina
Number:
1
Age:
Unknown
Sex:
Unknown
Plumage:
Other/Unknown
Habitat
Boat marina
Viewing Conditions
Optics:
Distance:
abou 200 meters
Light:
Harsh, with sun to my left when viewing the bird due west.
Description of the Bird
A smallish gull similar in size to Ring-billed Gull, although my only frame of reference was an adult Herring Gull standing nearby which was considerable larger than this bird. The gull was noticeably different than a Ring-billed Gull by having a short, thin, solid yellow bill, a dove-like rounded head with dusky feathering extending onto the neck, a dark eye, and very large white tertial crescent when perched. The mantle color also appeared to be darker gray than I would expect for Ring-billed. Its legs were yellowish.
Behaviors: Perched on tires at the Chatfield SP marina; flew once when startled by a passing boat, but settled quickly back to its original perch.
Call: None heard.
Plumage: adult basic
Similar Species Discussion
Ring-billed Gull was eliminated by the small, think solid yellow bill (lacked a black ring or any other marking) and very large white tertial crescent. Although the eye and mantle coloration were consistent with Mew Gull, I felt like the lighting conditions may have been too harsh and the distance too great to be definitive.
Resources Used
None.
Previous Experience
I have observed Mew Gulls in Colorado nearly winter for the past 12 years.
Notes
Notes made DURING observation
Additional Information
Date Documentation Submitted
11/1/2011 8:23:00 PM
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