Franklin's or Laughing Gull? SW Ohio, October 29 (1 Viewer)

[qwerty5]

Just found this gull today. Laughing would be much rarer, but I would expect more of a dark hood and a smaller bill if it was Franklin's.

 

[Andy Adcock]

Shape of the hood, clean, white hindneck and extent of eye 'arcs' says Franklin's?

 

[qwerty5]

Another photo with a better angle of the bill. Also seems there should be more white in the wings for Franklin's. With regards to the hood, a quick look at Laughing Gull photos doesnt seem inconsistent with this bird, but maybe I don't know what I'm looking at.

 

[Andy Adcock]

Another photo with a better angle of the bill. Also seems there should be more white in the wings for Franklin's. With regards to the hood, a quick look at Laughing Gull photos doesnt seem inconsistent with this bird, but maybe I don't know what I'm looking at.

Maybe I don't hence the '?'.

 

[qwerty5]

After further research, I've convinced myself it's a Laughing Gull for three main reasons: the very limited hood (I can't find any example of a Franklin's Gull like this), the limited white in the wingtips (also can't find any Franklin's like this, except 1st year birds), and the large bill. Everything seems to point solidly toward Laughing. If anyone thinks otherwise please convince me.

 

[Bewick]

After further research, I've convinced myself it's a Laughing Gull for three main reasons: the very limited hood (I can't find any example of a Franklin's Gull like this), the limited white in the wingtips (also can't find any Franklin's like this, except 1st year birds), and the large bill. Everything seems to point solidly toward Laughing. If anyone thinks otherwise please convince me.

Doesn't seem as if the laughing gull is that unexpected in Ohio- I agree with you, seems better for laughing gull.

 

[birdmeister]

I'd be pretty comfortable calling this Laughing (perhaps basic plumage adult) over Franklin's, mainly based on bill size and near-absent "hood".