I was thinking this was a Juvenile Pacific Gull (i forgot to bring my book with me) but looking on line i am not sure i have got it right. Taken at Marlo, Victoria today. I have shots with the full bird if it would help.
Pacific Gull (Larus pacificus)-4361 by rawshorty, on Flickr">[/url] Pacific Gull (Larus pacificus)-4361 by rawshorty, on Flickr
Head coulouring looks different than anything I've got but feathers to RHS of shot look the same. Plus same beak shape.
Thanks, Rick. Here is a shot that i backed of the lens to get the whole bird.
Shorty......Canon gear
Canberra
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rawshorty/
I'm confident this isn't a Pacific Gull, juvenile or adult. The Pacific Gull bill is heavier, more angular & paler than this bird's bill. I'm wondering if this is a Great Skua & would be interested in the opinion of a sea bird expert.
Tending to agree with you there Woko, just doesn't seem right for pacific overall. Expert needed
Maybe a juvenile Kelp Gull, if they're in your range?
I'm with Woko, Brown Skua for mine, "short strong bill heavily hooked" according to Morcombe. Kelp gull does not have a hook, and juvenile will usually have a black bill, this looks a little lighter than that. Also wing and body colour look good. I am certainly no expert.
Dale Huonville, Tasmania
I was thinking of the same thing... somehow, the proportions of a gull does not fit this bird. The bill is too short and stubby, whereas a Pacific Gull's would be longer. I couldn't tell you what skua, however, but I could forward it on to some birding friends.
Brandon (aka ihewman)
The angle of view is difficult in both photos, but looks like juvenile Pacific Gull to me.
Is there any more photos, in particular showing the head & bill more square(side) on?
feel free to pass them on, Brandon.
Shorty......Canon gear
Canberra
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rawshorty/
Ask and you will recieve
.
Shorty......Canon gear
Canberra
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rawshorty/
No doubts now. It's a Pacfic Gull.
A little tip for separating Pacific & Kelp Gulls, besides the honking big bill on Pacific.
Pacific have a roundish nostril/hole in the bill, whereas on Kelp the nostril is more of a long narrow slot.
Thanks, Steve.
Shorty......Canon gear
Canberra
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rawshorty/
Funny how the angle makes all the difference, as always, I am happy to be, and stand corrected, and in these last pics, the "hook" is not visible. Glad there are experts out there, so we can all learn. Thanks.
Dale Huonville, Tasmania
Now that I seen those other photos, there's no need to forward them on. It certainly is a Pacific Gull now.
Brandon (aka ihewman)