Sabine's Gull (Xema sabini), Lake Cochise, Willcox, Cochise County

This juvenile-plumaged Sabine's Gull was first reported by Rick Taylor at "Lake Cochise" near Willcox Twin Lakes Golf Course on 8 October 2011 and was photographed there the following day by Dave Stejskal.

Sabine's Gull is a rare but regular Fall migrant throughout the state, but appears to be more regular at the large reservoirs on the Colorado R. in w. and n. Arizona. Most of the individuals that are recorded in the Fall within AZ are juvenile birds, like this bird.

The upper wing pattern alone, with black primaries contrasting with white secondaries and greater wing coverts contrasting with the dark gray mantle is the best identifying mark on all plumages of Sabine's Gull. Only Large-billed Tern and Swallow-tailed Gull share this pattern in flight. 

09 October 2011, photos by Dave Stejskal

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