[Tweeters] Black-headed Gull in Edmonds (Ocean Ave)

[Jim Elder]

I went up to Edmonds for the third time looking for the Yellow-billed Gull and finally saw it (albeit not the most satisfying look). However it turned out not to be the best bird. A Black-headed Gull flying by was a complete surprise. As far as I know, no one else has been seeing this fellow so keep your eyes open in that part of the sound. Here are my notes from the eBird report (eBird Checklist - 24 Jan 2024 - Ocean Ave (Water St), Edmonds - 22 species<https://ebird.org/checklist/S159706186>):

1 Black-Headed Gull
Flying SE over sound in direction of Edmonds town center. By itself in fairly direct flight (not tern like). Clearly showing the white outer triangle pattern with thin black edge on upper wings. Under wings were dark unlike Bonaparte's
Additional details added with access to full keyboard: Adult winter-plumage bird probably about 400 yards out from shore heading from north to southwest so viewed going mostly parallel to shore but appeared to get somewhat closer to shore while viewed for about a minute.White wedge of the topside of outer primaries with thin black tips immediately ruled out all of the typical gray-mantled gulls. Bill was thin and dark (i.e. not yellow) but too distant for more specific detail. Tail was completely white (indicating adult). Underside of wings appeared dark (blackish gray or dark brown). From this angle the most visible part of the underside of the wing would be the primaries of the far wing on the downstroke which is exactly where a Black-headed Gull would be dark. Bonaparte's Gulls viewed later in the day at Edmonds fishing pier are bright white in this part of their wing. Wingbeats were slow and deep compared to a Bonaparte's. It also appeared too large for a Bonaparte's but there were no other nearby birds to use as a size reference so that is not a very reliable fieldmark in this case.



Jim Elder , Seattle WA
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