Thayer's Gull, Adult: Moss Landing, California, USA - 24th November 2009
A typical adult. Note the small head with dusky markings extending down onto the breast and the lemony slender bill. The underside of P10 is extensively white and legs rich bubble gum pink.
The upper-parts look darker than in life due to the evening light.
Thayer's Gull - Larus thayerii
Adult
Thayer's Gull, Adult: Moss Landing, California, USA - 24th November 2009
Same bird as above, note the extensive white underside to P10, the leg colour and the slender tapering bill.
Thayer's Gull, Adult: Moss Landing, California, USA - 24th November 2009
Same bird as above
This spread wing shot shows the completely white tip to P10 extending almost half the length of the expose feather. P9 has a large white mirror than 'bulges' cutting off the block of the outer web with the black band. P8 has a broad black band extending across the tip and extends along the outer web. P6 has a broad black band; on the inner web it spreads out towards the outer edge whilst on the outer web the black extends along the web to a point.
Thayer's Gull, Adult: Moss Landing, California, USA - 24th November 2009
Same bird as above
The hooded affect is rather striking when the bird flew away. Note the limited amount of black in the outer primaries and the extent of the white on P10.
Thayer's Gull, Adult: Goat Rock Beach, Jenner, California, USA - 28th November 2009
A smart and instantly identifiable individual
- Small rounded head
- More typically dark eye
- Small and slender bill with tapering tip
- Pale yellow bill tone with the red Gonys spot more oval in shape and does not reach the cutting edge
- Pale grey upper-parts
- Short bright pink legs
- Extensive white to the under-side of P10
Thayer's Gull, Adult: Goat Rock Beach, Jenner, California, USA - 28th November 2009
Same bird as in the previous images
- Large white 'split' mirror on P10
- Oval mirror to the inner web of P9
- Pale tongue extending along P8, grey terminating in a white moon on inner web
- Black band to P5
Head is small and the bill slender and subdued yellow in tone.