February 4th 2007. Pulaski Park, Holyoke, MA. Nelson's Gulls. Larus hyperboreus x smithsonianus hybrids. (4). All first cycle. A decent but cold (16F) evening watching gulls coming into roost on ice flows just above the Holyoke Dam. Notable amongst these, no less that four Nelson's Gulls all showing similar features with multiple birds on view at the same time. All were large to very large, with overall 'blonde' Glaucous like appearance, some with a sharply demarcated pink bill with black tip. Most showed mid-dark brown primaries, secondary bar and tail. No Glaucous Gulls were present for comparison though Brian Kane had seen one the previous evening about a mile downstream from this spot. It ended up being a very rewarding evening with a Kumlien's Iceland Gull and a first-winter Black-headed Gull seen from the same spot. At least 1500 gulls came into roost above the dam this evening. Images taken using Canon Powershot A540 through Swarovski HD Telescope. |
 The huge pale bird in the center facing right.  The same bird as above but in shadow.  Second individual (right) with two first-winter American Herring Gulls. Overall impression of this Nelson's is rather Glaucous like but with dark brown primaries.  The second individual again but in shadow, with Ring-billed Gull.  The second individual landing. Quite pale overall but darker tail and secondary bar.  The same bird showing a pattern not unlike Thayer's Gull on the underwing including dark trailing edge to primaries.  Third individual. Pale tipped mid-brown primaries and overall pale appearance. |