Dick & Jean Hoffman - the local bird scene - 2005 Gulls

The winter congregation of gulls at E. 72nd presented a great opportunity to leisurely study the many plumages of the common gulls, Herring and Great Black-backed, at close range. Every age group from first winter youngsters to full adults into their breeding finery were on hand.

There is even considerable variation in first winter Great Black-backed Gulls like the two above.

These photos are from scanned images of the original slides and have not been altered other than to reduce their size. All photos copyright © 2005 Dick Hoffman, all rights reserved

Several plumages and ages of Herring Gulls

variations in bill color and feather molt in first winter Herring Gulls
     

heavy streaking of the head and nape characterize many winter Herring Gulls such as this probable 3rd winter bird

other Herring Gulls have totally, or nearly, unstreaked heads in January
     

Herring Gulls are very physically vocal like all large gulls