hybrid gull status

The recent posts about a hybrid gull at Kit Carson Park in Escondido states that Glaucous-winged X Western Gulls are appreciably more likely here than are Glaucous-winged X Herrings. However, this is no longer the case, as during the past 10-15 years or so throughout many parts of southern California the rate of occurrence/reporting of Glaucous-winged X Herring has increased substantially, whereas the number of reported Glaucous-winged X Westerns has remained flat or even possibly decreased. As a result, many of us are now seeing substantially more G-w X Herrings than G-w X Westerns here in s. CA, and this is perhaps even more true at sites slightly inland, such as where this current bird is in Escondido. Of course, a fair number of such hybrids aren't reported at all, and some G-w X Westerns may be incorrectly pigeon-holed into one or the other "pure" species more often than are G-w X Herrings, but the latter does appear to be clearly more numerous than the former in recent times.

In minor other news, a female Summer Tanager, W. Tanager, and 2 Bullock's Orioles continue in North Park/n. edge Balboa Park.

–Paul Lehman, San Diego
Source: SanDiegoRegionBirding Latest Reports