Possible short-billed gull Reno NV USA January (1 Viewer)

[Birds4Kathy]

Short-billed gulls are rare in Reno NV with the exception of a few strays that stop over near the city at a place called Sparks Marina. This past week two first winter Short-billed gulls have been reported by a number of birders at Sparks Marina so I went out to see if I could find them amongst the mobs of California and Ring-billed gulls. The enclosed photos are as close as I could come to finding these birds. I am worried that the bill is too large for a SBG. Since I have little skill at identifying gulls during their early stages of development I thought I would see if anyone could provide me with some more insight. Do any of these 3 photos look like a Short-billed Gull and if so, which ones? Thanks for your help. Kathy

 

[Butty]

I am worried that the bill is too large for a SBG

Yup.
1-2. Ring-billed gull, 1st-winter.

 

[Birds4Kathy]

Thanks! Probably true for the third one as well. I’ll check back tomorrow.

 

[lou salomon]

Yes, all 3 are first winter RBG.

 

[smiths]

Not Ring-billed but California gull in photo #3.

 

[Birds4Kathy]

Thanks to all of you! Identifying gulls is far from simple. I appreciate your help. Kathy