The Conowingo "Common Gull"..or is it?

Jlstasz@aol.com
Tue, 10 Feb 1998 19:15:50 EST


Hi Folks!

My first post to Osprey..I hope some of you do not want it to be my last.

After carefully examining photographs taken by Mark Hoffman on January 1 of
the "Common Gull" (Larus canus canus)at Conowingo, I am certain that the bird
is actually a Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis). The defining character is
the shape of the dark areas on the wing coverts. I will gladly change my mind
if someone can show that Common Gulls can have arrowhead-shaped dark areas on
the wing coverts.

Good Birding!

Jim Stasz
North Beach MD
jlstasz@aol.com