Ospreymundos, Chatters - I don't think this Kelp Gull ID Paper reference has been circulated ... Kelp Gull ID Paper by David James http://nbhc.com/birdwg01/j8072703.htm Also, "Gulls in and around South Africa" - Comments that Kelp Gulls are scavengers and do follow ships ... http://www.adventures.co.za/gulls.htm This one seems to be relevant to all the dark-backed gull activity in here in the Mid-Atlantic ... "gull mantle color" by Michael Patten - discusses Kelp, Slaty-backed, Western (in the east) and others ... http://www.nbhc.com/birdwg01/j7041705.htm Hope this helps. Phil ================================================ Phil Davis home: PDavis@ix.netcom.com Davidsonville, Maryland USA work: PDavis@OAO.com Greenbelt, Maryland USA ================================================