Little Gull
Stewart Park - Ithaca, NY - April 20, 2007
This amazing encounter with a second winter Little Gull was shared with a number of
other birders, and more (higher quality) photos of this bird can be found on some of
their websites (e.g. Tom Johnson, and Ryan Douglas).
I should have more photos when I get some film developed.
Some "so-so" video of the bird in flight can be found
here, here,
here, here,
and here.
![](ligu_april-17-07.jpg)
Here are a few shots of the bird at rest on the water. Note the small
bll and dark in the primaries - typical of 2nd winter Little Gulls.
![](ligu_2_april-17-07.jpg)
Next, compare to nearby Boneparte's Gulls. Can you spot the Little Gull?
![](ligu_bogu_april-17-07.jpg)
![](ligu_bogu_1_april-17-07.jpg)
Compare the bills in the picture above.
Here are three more comparisons with Bonaparte's Gulls. Note the more pale colored
mantle of the Little Gull - which was more obvious "in the field" than shown here.
![](ligu_bogu_2_april-17-07.jpg)
![](ligu_bogu_3_april-17-07.jpg)
![](ligu_bogu_4_april-17-07.jpg)
All Photos (C) 2007 Paul Hurtado
(Just let me know if you use them!)