A second winter Russian Common gull came to bread at Shakey Beach this afternoon. The same spot that I had one of the same age back in Feburary. It really stood out as a contrasty long winged and large bird. In flight I could see it had alot of black in the primaries, a nice clean head and boa of neck streaking along with one of the diagnostic primary patterns for this age group, (there are a few different diagnostic primary patterns for this age heinei)
A Small mirror on p9 confined to inner web only, no white tongue tip to p7 and a black band on p4 – (Black markings on both webs of p4 would also be acceptable according to literature.)
The bird also has black marks in the tail and greater coverts which is also indicative of heinei. One thing to remember with these features is that they must be present in conjunction with a white head, boa of neck streaks and bright bill for safe heinei ID.
PERDIX BIRDER 