Re: possible Glaucous Gull

Jeremiah Stock's astute observations on his pale first-cycle gull today are bang on. Undoubtedly the same bird was first found yesterday, nearby at the saltworks, by Robert Patton and Lea Squires. They obtained good photos of the bird, which shows a large, very pale gull which one would first think is indeed a first-cycle Glaucous. But the bill is much messier (darker) colored than in a typical Glaucous, and it is shaped probably a bit more like a Glaucous-winged bill as well. But be on the lookout for it anywhere around the South Bay.

In other news, the nominate ruber Red-breasted Sapsucker (2nd [?] county record of this subspecies) continues this AM at Harry Griffen Park in La Mesa. Today in the most heavily-drilled eucalyptus trees along the south side of the dog run.

–Paul Lehman, San Diego
Source: SanDiegoRegionBirding Latest Reports