[EBB Sightings] Franklin's Gull Flyover - ALA

Birders,

Yesterday evening (4/30/08),  while birding along the road into MLKJ 
Shoreline, I had a black-hooded gull fly  over, heading in the direction of Alameda.  
I didn't have much time to  study the bird, as it flew into the glare of the 
sun and my view was then  blocked by a tree.  But I did get enough of a look to 
note several field  marks, and after checking my books later, I was able to 
determine it was a  breeding plumaged FRANKLIN'S GULL.

By the time I got on the bird, it was  already heading away from me, so I 
didn't get a very good look at the head, but  I did note white around the eyes; I 
was unable to see the bill color.

The  black in the wings was confined to the tips, with none along the 
trailing edge,  and the outer primaries did not contrast with the rest of the wing, 
which rules  out Bonaparte's Gull.  The wing pattern also ruled out Laughing 
and  Black-headed Gulls (even more unlikely).  I didn't get a great look at the  
upper wings, but I was able to note the white trailing edge contrasting 
sharply  with the darkish gray upper wing.

There was not much white on the outer  primary tips, so I don't think this 
was a full adult.  Gulls of the  Americas (Howell & Dunn) shows an "adult type" 
FRGU on p. 96 (photo 14.10),  and notes the extensive black wingtips and 
absent medial band.  The authors  indicate that it may be a second cycle bird.

Good birding
Kathy  Robertson
Hayward, CA  




**************Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists on family 
favorites at AOL Food.      
(http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001)