Lorain Black-headed Gull

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   Here are some photos of the Black-headed Gull that has been at Lorain for the past week.   If you are not good at gulls it can be a tough one to pick out of the hundreds of Bonaparte's Gulls.  I've attached a couple shots so that you have an idea on what to look for.  The dark underwing is by far the best field mark.  Another field mark that was somewhat noticeable was the upperwing of the Black-headed gull was slightly paler than the Bonaparte's gulls.  I was able to pick it out from distance whan it was coming toward me and the underwing was not visible.  Mantle colors are best viewed in overcast conditions.  Sunlight tends to make them look similar.

Another thing to understand about gull watching.  Gulls feed and then will rest.  Typically they make their feeding rounds and then will go sit for an hour or so.  Years back there was a black-headed gull that would go rest for almost exactly 50  minutes or so between feedings.  I think to seriously watch them, you need to be there about an hour and a half.

The Black-headed is in the center.  Note the dark underwings and red bill.

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jpogacnik Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Eagle Joined: 10 February 2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 253	Post Options Post Reply Quote jpogacnik Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Lorain Black-headed Gull Posted: 03 December 2010 at 8:33am
	Here are some photos of the Black-headed Gull that has been at Lorain for the past week. If you are not good at gulls it can be a tough one to pick out of the hundreds of Bonaparte's Gulls. I've attached a couple shots so that you have an idea on what to look for. The dark underwing is by far the best field mark. Another field mark that was somewhat noticeable was the upperwing of the Black-headed gull was slightly paler than the Bonaparte's gulls. I was able to pick it out from distance whan it was coming toward me and the underwing was not visible. Mantle colors are best viewed in overcast conditions. Sunlight tends to make them look similar. Another thing to understand about gull watching. Gulls feed and then will rest. Typically they make their feeding rounds and then will go sit for an hour or so. Years back there was a black-headed gull that would go rest for almost exactly 50 minutes or so between feedings. I think to seriously watch them, you need to be there about an hour and a half. The Black-headed is in the center. Note the dark underwings and red bill.
	John Pogacnik 4765 Lockwood Road Perry, OH 44081 (440) 259-2751

LMcQuaid Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Nestling Joined: 03 December 2010 Location: Cleveland Status: Offline Points: 1	Post Options Post Reply Quote LMcQuaid Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 03 December 2010 at 10:27am
	Thank you for posting these great photos! I hope it is still there when I get there this weekend.

joehildreth Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Eagle Joined: 24 January 2004 Location: Delta, OH Status: Offline Points: 352	Post Options Post Reply Quote joehildreth Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 03 December 2010 at 10:51am
	great shots John!!
	Joe Hildreth 26 Delta, OH

lannersaker Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Add to Buddy List Eagle Joined: 01 May 2005 Location: NE Ohio Status: Offline Points: 257	Post Options Post Reply Quote lannersaker Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 03 December 2010 at 12:25pm
	Still present as of 10 am. Conditions really rough.
	LOCAL PATCH BIRDING Ohio-based guided birding trips to top local hotspot destinations. ID workshops, custom tours and young birder programs. elfin_skimmer@hotmail.com

lannersaker Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Add to Buddy List Eagle Joined: 01 May 2005 Location: NE Ohio Status: Offline Points: 257	Post Options Post Reply Quote lannersaker Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 04 December 2010 at 7:22pm
	Great shots John. Awesome. Bird STILL PRESENT Saturday December 4th, at 2:30 p.m. till dusk (NOT present in the morning). Photos: http://www.jenbrumfield.com/?page_id=384
	LOCAL PATCH BIRDING Ohio-based guided birding trips to top local hotspot destinations. ID workshops, custom tours and young birder programs. elfin_skimmer@hotmail.com