third winter WESTERN GULL, L.o.occidentalis

photo courtesy of Ryan Shaw, copyright 1999

Note the extensive black on the panels of the bill; this is relatively common in third year Western and Glaucous-winged Gulls, but perhaps extreme on other species. Also note the lack of white tips to the primaries (A-spots). Granted, it's March and they may be worn off, but I've still never seen a 3rd year Western with A-spots. Most other species will show A-spots in their 3rd year. Ocean Shores, WA; March, 1999.