[jeanwil]

Hello,
visiting BC this summer, I toke the picture (see link below) on Blackie Spit reserve of a juvenile gull that I can't identify.
Black head - Yellow legs ...
Thank you in advance for your help.
Regards,
Jean Willemyns
Brussels

[revs]

Looks like a Bonapartes Gull in the process of changing into winter dress.

PS, i had to right click the Image text and chose "view image" to see it.

[nwjj]

The eye rings make me think of Franklin's gull.

[revs]

The eye rings make me think of Franklin's gull.

I thought that as well at first, any other takers?

[Guy L. Monty]

I can't get the photo to open....

Guy L. Monty
Nanoose Bay, Vancouver Island, BC

[Birder2000]

Hello,
visiting BC this summer, I toke the picture (see link below) on Blackie Spit reserve of a juvenile gull that I can't identify.

I'm not sure. Franklin's Gull is definitely an option.


For those who can't see the image:

[Guy L. Monty]

Hmmmm? Plumage looks good for Franklin's Gull. Bill seems large though, almost like a Laughing Gull. And what is with those pale legs???
I think I would prefer more photos, or seeing this bird in person before labeling it. I'll pass.

Definitely not a Bonaparte's Gull anyway.

thanks,

Guy L. Monty
Nanoose Bay, Vancouver Island, BC

[Jeremy Gatten]

I would go with juvenile Franklin's Gull. Nothing else really matches - a juvenile Laughing Gull in the summer would seemingly look greyer overall and have nearly blackish legs. I doubt it would be able to traverse the length of the continent at that point, anyways.

If you do a Google image search, you can find birds with similarities to at least one feature or another of this bird. Several shots have the hooded appearance this bird shows, while others show pinkish legs.

Jeremy Gatten
Saanichton, B.C. (currently in Port Perry, ON)