Thanks for the pictures Mike.
The most remarkable about this bird - definite Franklin´s Gull - is that
it has already acquired a complete hood. This is very early. The lack
of much white on the tips of primaries is due to wear - one could argue
that it may be a second winter bird which has less white on the tips,
but since so much white is shown at the base of the primaries and the
intense red bill this fits much better for an adult. Mind you that
Franklin´s gull have two complete moults per year. It will change those
flight feathers before heading north again. Then it will need some
tranquil place with lots of food. It should be worth looking for at the
top sites for gulls in the vicinity.
Gunnar
Gunnar Engblom-Lima, Peru.
Kolibri Expeditions
http://www.kolibriexpeditions.com
www.birding-peru.com General info about birding in Peru-check it out!
-----Mensaje original-----
De:
En nombre de Mike Carter
Enviado el: Miércoles, 21 de Enero de 2004 04:06 p.m.
Para: ; BIRDING-AUS
CC: Stuart Cooney; Bill Ramsay; Margaret Cameron
Asunto: Re: [BIRDING-AUS] Franklin's Gull in Victoria
Russell,
The Pratincoles, still there today, are on a part of the farm which has
restricted access. Although I was offered the details, I refused, as I
don't
want to be responsible for people trespassing.
On Monday, the gull was gone from beach W91 by 14.00, but as I said was
photographed at 17.10. This was just on the W side of the bridge in the
carpark for the boat hire place. On Tuesday, over a dozen people
searched
beaches from Barwon Heads to Aireys Inlet, most time spent at Anglesea,
all
without success. Here one day, gone the next is typical of Franklin's.
Mike Carter
30 Canadian Bay Road
Mt Eliza VIC 3930
Ph: (03) 9787 7136
Email:
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