[EBB Sightings] Franklin's Gull pink coloration

> "Best of all was the
> wash of pink across its chest; no wonder it used to
> be called the Rosy
> Gull! Since it is primarily insectivorous in its
> native Midwestern
> range, I wonder what causes the pink coloration?" 

Debbie, et al,

Considerable discussion on the issue of pink
coloration was discussed on 4/26 on Peninsula-Birding,
San Mateo Co's version of EBBsightings.

References included journal citations and quotes, and
personal summaries of individual's understanding of
the science, as well as anecdotal info from Chile.
Quite enlightening, I recommend a review of this
discussion (several e-mails) to anyone who has seen
this bird and is interested in its natural history.

The easiest path is probably:
Sialia.com
Click on "California Bird Lists Digest"
Look near the top of the page for "All Lists"
Scroll the lists to "Peninsula Birding"
Scroll the history to the earliest 4/26 e-mail.
Work your way back up from there.

Chromatically,
Bob Power
Oakland, CA