Franklin's Gull

The bird shown above was photographed by Les George at the Carnarvon sewage ponds on 14th January 2004.

It has been initially identified as a Franklin's Gull which is recorded about once a year in Western Australia.

Mike Carter from Melbourne sent the following comments.  "It is definitely a Franklin's Gull.  It is in non-breeding plumage, probably a second winter bird (possibly older).  Only this species retains this partial hood in winter and there are too many white 'mirrors' in the primaries for a Laughing Gull, the only other contender for a gull with white eyelids.  Also the bill is short and stout, not long and drooped.  A good find well documented."

If you have any further comments about this bird, then email the comments to sightings@iinet.net.au and I will put them on this web page as soon as possible.