Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus), Glendale Recharge Ponds, Maricopa County

This Lesser Black-backed Gull was found by Matt Haberkorn on 29 September 2017 and photographed by Steve Boyack and by Steve Hosmer on 30 September 2017

Originally identified as a Herring Gull at the time, this individual was reidentified in a review of photos by David Vander Pluym

Currently 8 accepted records for the state with another one pending. This species is increasing with the first state record occuring in 2006.

A bird still in juvenile plumage. Note especially the white, sparsely barred upper tail coverts that strongly contrast with a blackish tail band. Also note in flight the blackish remiges lacking a strongly paler panel on the inner primaries and the streaky head (concentrated around the eye) and chest.

30 September 2017, photo by Steve Boyack

30 September 2017, photo by Steve Hosmer

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