[EBB Sightings] Re: Bonaparte's Gull

Jim:

Just an hour ago, about 50 yards south of the foot of the Berkeley Pier, 
I definitely saw a BOGU, and my description would have pretty much 
matched yours (although I didn't see the legs).  So while I can't 
guarantee what you saw is a BONAPARTE's GULL, your description sounds 
pretty good for that species.

Kay Loughman
Berkeley

On 5/27/2009  JimRoethe at aol.com wrote:
> During this morning's bird count at Arrowhead Marsh, we saw what I think  
> was a Bonaparte's Gull (adult non-breeding) in Seasonal Pond # 1 along the 
> road  as you enter the park.  
>  
> The Gull was resting near a single Western Gull and numerous  Mallards.    
> It was very small (about half the size of the  Western Gull) with black eyes 
> and a clear dark spot behind the ear.  Bill  was thin and black, seemingly 
> a bit darker at the tip, and longer than Ross  Gull.   The Gull had a light 
> gray back with darker primaries.   Light pink legs.  When it turned its 
> head, the upper head looked like it  might have the mottled beginning of the 
> typical dark hood of a  Boneparte?s.    I would be interested in hearing from 
> anyone who  sees this Gull whether my ID is correct.
> 
> Regards,
> 
> Jim  Roethe
> (925) 254-2190
> jimroethe at aol.com
>