Q: Taking the given information as accurate (which I absolutely
true to my knowledge and my four other siblings which saw this bird, possibly
Ross's Gull), please give me your opinion.
Seen at Pere Marquette Park (beach), Muskegon, MI, at 10:00 AM on Jan. 18,
2010, flying at head level along the shoreline northbound. Seen for about 15
seconds, not shy, flew about 10 feet from us (in red winter coats) so that we
could hear the wingbeats. We were inexperienced birders, and we didn't take
note of the tail shape or bill color.
Very obvious light lavender/faded gray complete collar and no hood or
eye-spot behind the eye. This is something we will never compromise.
Light overall, with very light gray under-wings, no under-wing pattern was
observed because we didn't know about defining gull ID characteristics at the
time. No sharp contrasts, and no freckles or streaking, no black anywhere.
Size between Little Gull and Ring-billed. I have seen hundreds of Little
Gulls in winter plumage at Turkey Point, ON, and am confident that this was
absolutely NOT a Little Gull.
Flight somewhat buoyant and not fast, almost like a Little Gull.
Now that I have obtained more gull experience, and because the observers still remember the gull very accurately, I thought an ID might be possible.
I have no photos. I realize Ross's Gull is an extremely rare species (it
would be the first Michigan record). I look forward to your response, and thank
you very much.
Reply: From your description, especially the details about the collar and
size, I cannot think of anything else this gull to be but a Ross's Gull.
The only other gull that it can be confused with is a Little Gull which you
have seen plenty of and are confident that it is not.
Of course during the time of the year that you saw the gull (January), the
Ross's gull would be in its winter plumage and the collar would not be distinct
- but as you said, it was faded. The Little Gull would have a dark cap in the
winter.
