How to Identify Gulls

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Written by Bob Sundstrom 

 

As the seasons change, different birds catch our eye. Where spring brought the swoop of swallows, late fall or early winter poses the puzzle of identifying gulls.

 

The challenge of learning which gull is which brings to mind the Sunday crossword puzzle. Completing it entails more clues, more cleverness, and more time than needed for the weekday version, but feels so rewarding.

 

For identifying gulls, we recommend a good bird book, binoculars, and perhaps a thermos of hot coffee. And you may want to bring along a chair. 

 

This time of year, gulls wear fresh plumage. Start by looking only at adult gulls – the ones showing fully gray or black backs and white underparts.

 

To figure out a gull’s ID, first gauge whether it’s bigger or smaller than gulls near it. Then check its leg color. Pink or yellow? You’re more than halfway home already. To clinch the ID, focus on the wing-tips, bill shape, and whether it’s light or dark gray.

 

Gulls are present in greater variety in mid-autumn, posing an ample puzzle for inquisitive minds. But, as Yogi Berra once said, “You can observe a lot just by watching.” 

 

Visit your local lake or shore and see how many gulls you can identify! For BirdNote, I’m Michael Stein.