The Cooktown Gull that shows many features of Slaty-backed was still
there today, mostly sat atop a lamp post or on a jetty and sen by
Rolf, Malcolm and John from Townsville and Phil, Sue and Jun from
Cairns/Kuranda. It was heavily abraded on some inner flight feathers,
and kept panting and gasping.
It is reported to have bit of fishing line around its tongue, and
Malcolm suggested to QPWS that they catch it to cut this obstruction
off. It also has a gammy leg, all in all not the healthiest of
specimens, but if it carks the specimen would be helpful in
establishing its identity.
My Japanese gull books look pretty good for Slaty-backed, but it was
interesting to see how much darker the Sibley American guides shows
this plumage for this species, maybe a printing artefact?
Seems well settled and is feeding, but a monsoon trough is moving
through so don't linger if you want to see it.
Good birding
Phil Gregory
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