1st Round

Trost
Sweeney
Stephens
Sturts
Roberts
Svingen

2nd Round

02-06-2009.
Dave Trochlell--Reject, specific identification not established

I'm not convinced, though this report was certainly interesting. Unfortunately, I think the description doesn't go far enough to differentiate this bird from other similar small gulls, including Bonaparte's Gull.

2/6/2009.
Cliff Weisse--Reject, specific identification not established

This is an intriguing report in light of recent summer records for Little Gull (see IBRC #35-B-05 & 69-B-07). However the description falls short of being conclusive. While it does a reasonable job of eliminating Bonaparte's based on lack of black on the trailing edge of the secondaries. However I feel it doesn't rule out Ross's Gull (admittedly a long shot but there is s recent summer record from MT). The descriptions says this bird "stood shorter than Bonaparte's", leaving open the possibility of the shorter-legged Ross's.

02-08-2009.
chuck trost--Reject, specific identification not established

I'm switching my initial vote after reading Dan Svingen's comments. The timing is not right for LIGU and the description is too breef to convince me now.

02-13-2009.
Sturts--Reject, specific identification not established

After reading the first round comments, especially those of Dan Svingen, I am changing my vote to reject. Similar species of gulls were not eliminated.

17 February 2009.
Hardy--Accept

Size and wing pattern diagnostic.

02-19-2009.
Carlisle--Accept

convincing description (esp. carpal bar, size, and lack of black on trailing edge of secondaries). My guess is that the 1st winter/1st summer issue is simply variably in molt rates among birds (maybe lack of nutrients slowed this individual's molt process?).

03-10-2009
Darren Clark--Reject, specific identification not established

The record isn't detailed enough to eliminate similar species.