We sighted a gull at Chew Valley Lake Saturday afternoon, 2/10/04, which we were unable to identify to our satisfaction. I have attached photos of it - it was very obliging and remained in view for a long time. Other birders suggested ring-billed but the plumage seemed very dark, and it didn't look like ones we have seen before (in Toronto). It appeared to be a very similar size to Lesser Black-Backed gulls which were present at the same time, but its bill didn't look right for a LBB, and much larger than the Black-Headed Gulls which it seemed to be hanging out with. We also considered Common Gull, again seemed to fit some characteristics but not all. Legs were white/grey to naked eye, Black pupil in eye had paler ring around it and then it was darker again round the outside of the eye. We would appreciate your input.
Jampots :h?:
Jampots :h?: