Franklin's or Laughing Gull? (Maryland, US, September 16, 2023) (1 Viewer)

[howiewu]

Hi, I took these pictures on September 16, 2023 at Sandy Point State Park in Maryland, US.

There has been a Franklin's Gull at this location for some time. When I was there, I was distracted by a Laughing Gull that is apparently smaller than others. That one was later confirmed to be just a smaller Laughing Gull. But I also took pictures of this one. Now I examined the pictures, I think I can see the white wing tip in its primaries, although the angle is not the best. I think it has a potential to be a Franklin's Gull.

What do you guys think?

Thanks in advance,
Howard

 

[Joern Lehmhus]

I thinnk Laughing Gull , but do not have the personal experience with either species .

I think laughing can also have some white in tips of fresh primaries like here:

https://wildsouthflorida.com/images2020/laughing.gull.main.jpeg

But there is more black in the primaries of laughing gull...

 

[howiewu]

Thanks for the input!