Gulls Galore!

All the birders I have talked with around the coastline; about seagulls and the differences, I am still in the learning mode for the most part...since there are so many similarities in markings. But, as I say, I'm learning. And, more than likely it will take a bit MORE learning until I can easily identify them.  I can see the differing traits/colors/hear calls of the Laughing Gull and the Herring Gull. Mainly 'cause they are the most abundant gulls seen here along the Gulf of Mexico. The Bonaparte's Gull [link to my photo] is easily identified also...they're tiny compared to most...and the spot marking around the jawline is a vital feature.

Now, a few days past, there were two RARE seagulls reported. Actually, I had seen one just the day BEFORE the sighting was reported on Ebird.  The other one listed as seen nearby on Mustang Island was one I hoped to find. Well, when I arrived at the tidal pool along the jetty, it was feeding. And there were a few birders with cameras .... the gull was not bothered at all by our intrusion. In fact, it's a western coast seagull, and one birder mentioned that it had to be from Los Angeles!! Why? He said you could shoot in the air twice and it probably wouldn't budge. I thought it was funny. Guess not, 'cause he and I were the only two that laughed. Maybe the other birders have never been in the crime-ridden city before and didn't understand.

 I'll begin with the more common ones:

The Herring Gull:

HERRING GULL
photos taken:  Ocean Drive - Oso Bay
habitat map:  Herring


The Laughing Gull [immature]


LAUGHING GULL
photo taken:  Port A
habitat map:  Laughing


The Ring-Billed Gull


RING BILLED GULL
photo taken: Packery Channel Beach
habitat map: Ring Billed

A 'semi' rare gull, the Lesser Black Backed Gull

[usually found in the Atlantic coastal areas but in the past decades a FEW have been seen along the Texas coast.]

Dark, nearly black back with light, flesh-colored pink feet.  Large

LESSER BLACK BACKED GULL  or Great Black Backed Gull?
photos taken:  Port A Jetty
habitat map:  Lesser Black Backed

And, the RARE gull...
The Western Gull
[normally along the Pacific coast]


WESTERN GULL
photos taken:  Port A Jetty
habitat map:  Western Gull

...the last photo I took on purpose to make comparison of size...Laughing vs. Western

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