This photo was taken in January in coastal LA. Perched on a rock in
the water, this is a cooperative bird that allows us to see several
field marks. Good luck!
Answer will be displayed on March 1.
Answer:
The size, shape, and overall plumage of this bird narrows it down to
gulls and terns. Terns can be eliminated since the bill shape is short
and stubby, as opposed to long and sharp. This leaves the gulls, which
can be a particularly tricky group. However, the head pattern with the
dark postocular mark behind the eye can rule out the large four-year
(Herring, Glaucous-winged, Western, California, Heermann’s) and
three-year gulls (Ring-billed, Short-billed). Our only remaining
common gull is Bonaparte’s Gull.
Bonaparte’s Gull is a two year gull that has reddish pink feet, a dark
postocular spot in the non-breeding season, a petite black bill, and
silvery gray wings. Just to be safe, other rarer dark hooded gulls can
also safely be ruled out. Little Gull has a smudgy dark cap in the
nonbreeding season. Black-headed Gull has a reddish bill. Kittiwakes
have a yellow bill. Franklin’s Gull has a dark cap, no postocular
spot, and a white eye-ring. Laughing Gull has a longer bill. This only
leaves Bonaparte’s Gull. This Bonaparte’s Gull was photographed
along Ballona Creek in January 2022.
Congratulations to 2 Henrys, Lily, Ava, Merryl, and Thomas for answering
Bonaparte’s Gull.
