Rochester, New Hampshire, December 30th, 2004.

American Herring Gull Larus smithsonianus, 2nd or 3rd winter.

Comments - After posting these images to the ID-Frontiers listserve, the general feeling amongst responders was that this bird was probably a small billed (female?), dark eyed American Herring Gull.

This bird, found amongst large numbers of smithsonianus, caught our attention because the relative proportions resembled some of the smaller taxa yet it was clearly on the large side, closer to smithsonianus. Whilst we were watching the bird Steve Mirick arrived and we puzzled over the gull without reaching any firm conclusions. Unfortunately, there are no good shots of the open wing or spread tail.

In the field, the bird showed a noticeably short bill in direct comparison to smithsonianus, and also appeared shorter legged and relatively long winged. The iris color was dark brown, and the bird appeared dark-eyed from all angles. Could this be a kumlieni/thayeri type or just an odd smithsonianus?

Any thoughts or comments regarding the age and identity of this bird would be welcome at - keenbirder@yahoo.com.

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