Idaho Bird Records Committee Rarities Report Form

#64-B-06

Species: Glaucous Gull (1^st winter)

Reporter: Jay Carlisle

6105 Kirkwood Rd

Boise, ID 83709

jaycarlisle@boisestate.edu

Other Observers: Larry Barnes and Sarah Stock

Date Report Prepared: 11-10-06

Date Sighting Occurred: February 10, 1996

Locality of Observation: Bell Rapids, border of Gooding & Twin Falls Counties; Hagerman, ID

Habitat: Snake River

Conditions: I don’t remember but I do not think that lighting was an issue; I used Eagle Optics 10x42 binoculars and a B&L Discoverer 60mm spotting scope (20-60 zoom)

Did you take notes? not at all

Did you consult a field guide or other reference work? during and immediately after the observation

What guide(s) or reference(s) did you consult?

National Geographic

Description: We saw a large whitish gull larger than Herring Gull with a large bicolored bill (dark tip) , and with buffy barring on the mantle and wings. The wingtips were white. This was a 1st winter Glaucous Gull.

Behavior: This bird was seen flying directly overhead, circling, and then flying upriver over the course of a minute or so. We did not hear vocalizations.

How and when did you positively identify the bird, and what clinched the identification for you? ID was clinched by the overall whitish plumage – including very pale wingtips, large size, and large bicolored bill with a black tip.

How did you eliminate similar species, and what were they? The only truly similar species is Iceland Gull (also 1st winter); although paler individuals of 1st winter Glaucous-winged or Thayer’s (both more gray overall including wingtips) might be somewhat similar. A 1st winter Iceland should have an all-black bill (though this could be starting to change towards 2-toned by late winter) and is significantly smaller than a Glaucous.

Experience with this species (and similar species): This was my first Glaucous Gull. I have since observed numerous Glaucous Gulls in many states (Alaska, South Dakota, etc.). I have also observed many Iceland Gulls along the eastern seaboard (especially Connecticut and Massachussetts) and well as one 1^st winter bird in South Dakota. I have observed large #s of Thayer’s (especially in winter in Oregon but many inland sightings from Idaho to South Dakota) and Glaucous-winged Gulls (west coast but also 4 individuals in Idaho).

General birding experience: extensive; 14+ years in US and Latin America

Were photo(s), video, and/or audio obtained by you? (If yes, please include or attach) No.