Come and Guess. (1 Viewer)

[Zac Hinchcliffe]

Maybe Larus Argentatus Argenteus, or Argentatus Argentatus

 

[Sue Wright]

I assume the picture is a bit underexposed? No one else has guessed Glaucous-winged Gull, right? That's my guess. There's not too much fringing on the primaries, but they are the same color as the tertials and wing coverts. I'm also getting the impression of a bulky bird that is not too long winged.

Chris

Thank you Chris! I kept looking at that last night but wasn't too sure whether you have them over there, but now I know you do.......I'll go for it please Tayler.

Thanks Chris - though if it's wrong.....................!

Sue.

 

[Progne Subis]

Maybe Larus Argentatus Argenteus, or Argentatus Argentatus

No again I'm afraid. Neither of those are correct...

Don't give up!

 

[Sue Wright]

Could Tayler have a photo of a .......... Larus argentatus "somethingotheris" ?

Or maybe a (perish the thought) "hybrid" ?

Glaucous-winged X Herring ?

You wouldn't do that, would you Tayler!

YES Larry!

 

[Progne Subis]

Could Tayler have a photo of a .......... Larus argentatus "somethingotheris" ?

Or maybe a (perish the thought) "hybrid" ?

Glaucous-winged X Herring ?

You wouldn't do that, would you Tayler!

No, of course not! I'm not that cruel... Somethingotheris, that's a good one Larry. ||

 

[Progne Subis]

I assume the picture is a bit underexposed? No one else has guessed Glaucous-winged Gull, right? That's my guess. There's not too much fringing on the primaries, but they are the same color as the tertials and wing coverts. I'm also getting the impression of a bulky bird that is not too long winged.

Chris

:clap: Yup, Glaucous-winged Gull it is! Well, that's what I think it is too. I found what looks to be a very fresh juvenile (juv. primarys don't even look fully grown and the bird seems to have a few downy elements remaining on it's contour feathers, and I see no evidence of any post juvenile molt taking place yet) on the shore of the Puget Sound in Edmonds. Here's the full quiz photo and a few others of the same bird...

 

[Chris Benesh]

:clap: Yup, Glaucous-winged Gull it is! Well, that's what I think it is too. I found what looks to be a very fresh juvenile (juv. primarys don't even look fully grown and the bird seems to have a few downy elements remaining on it's contour feathers, and I see no evidence of any post juvenile molt taking place yet) on the shore of the Puget Sound in Edmonds. Here's the full quiz photo and a few others of the same bird...

Hi Tayler,

Seeing the bird in all its glory will probably raise the spectre of, dare I say it...hybrid (whisper). It's ironic that you photographed it on the shore of Puget Sound, epicenter of the Puget Sound Gull, aka Glaucous-winged X Western, since it has some features that are suggestive of this hybrid combination. There is the reduced edgings on the primaries, a noticeable two-toned contrast in the primaries with dark outer vanes, a dark looking tail, and also a rather dark face. Some of this could still be lighting, but...

Chris

 

[Progne Subis]

Hi Tayler,

Seeing the bird in all its glory will probably raise the spectre of, dare I say it...hybrid (whisper). It's ironic that you photographed it on the shore of Puget Sound, epicenter of the Puget Sound Gull, aka Glaucous-winged X Western, since it has some features that are suggestive of this hybrid combination. There is the reduced edgings on the primaries, a noticeable two-toned contrast in the primaries with dark outer vanes, a dark looking tail, and also a rather dark face. Some of this could still be lighting, but...

Chris

Oh, yeah. Oops again. Ironically, I haven't read that far in Gulls of the Americas yet, I'm only on Herring Gull. But now that I focus on the mentioned details, I see exactly what you mean. I've dealt with the hybrid "Olympic/Puget Sound Gull" numerous times in my local patch and I doubt that many "pure" Glaucous-winged Gulls can even be found in my area. My mistake for jumping to conclusions without full analysis of the situation... But as for lighting, the sun was very low on the horizon (about 30 minutes from setting) so it may influence the overall appearance of the bird, or not... but anyway, thanks again for being willing to help me out will gulls Chris.

 

[jocateme]

That's why I didn't want to guess

 

[Progne Subis]

That's why I didn't want to guess

I don't blame you. Gosh, the quiz maker (me) wasn't even totally right... :-C I tried though, and I'm learning...

Hopefully this hasn't soured any of you against my quiz. In future sessions, I will make double sure of the ID's...

 

[Chris Benesh]

Hi Tayler,

First of all, you needn't worry about confusing Glaucous-winged Gulls with their presumed hybrids, since that would put you in good company with, oh, just about every other honest birder out there. I'm not certain the quiz bird is a hybrid anyway, but there are some suggestive features.

Your quizzes are first rate, so I doubt anyone will be put off so easily. I really like you showing the full bird after the correct answer is given, as it gives some context. From your contributions to the Bird ID Q&A, I can tell your birding skills and enthusiasm are first rate too. When I was your age, I was still learning to tell a Goshawk from a Sage Grouse, so you are way ahead of the game.

Now bring on the next quiz bird!

Chris

 

[Progne Subis]

Hi Tayler,

First of all, you needn't worry about confusing Glaucous-winged Gulls with their presumed hybrids, since that would put you in good company with, oh, just about every other honest birder out there. I'm not certain the quiz bird is a hybrid anyway, but there are some suggestive features.

Your quizzes are first rate, so I doubt anyone will be put off so easily. I really like you showing the full bird after the correct answer is given, as it gives some context. From your contributions to the Bird ID Q&A, I can tell your birding skills and enthusiasm are first rate too. When I was your age, I was still learning to tell a Goshawk from a Sage Grouse, so you are way ahead of the game.

Now bring on the next quiz bird!

Chris

Thanks, I appreciate your supportive words. I have to say, birds are no doubt becoming a bigger part of my live. Over the last year now I've been moving on to the more advanced texts concerning bird identification. And not a day has gone by since the age of 12 that I haven't thought about, read about, or talked about birds... My obsession continues to deepen! :eek!: ||

So, more photos you ask? Consider your wish granted... |:d| This one should be a bit less complicated than our previous quiz bird.

 

[prairiemerlin]

Anna's Hummingbird

 

[Progne Subis]

Anna's Hummingbird

You got it! Yeah, I guess that was easy...

Here's the whole bird.

 

[Progne Subis]

Here comes another quiz bird!

 

[NickPatel92]

Redpoll?

 

[Progne Subis]

Not a Redpoll...

 

[Zac Hinchcliffe]

Do You Have Crossbills Nearby?

 

[jocateme]

Hmm.... It's getting a bit too hard for a young Brazilian birder like me, but (my Sibley and) I will keep trying! House Finch???

 

[birderbf]

Pygmy Nuthatch?