Webcreeper

Question from Glyn Nicholson-Ross emailed to the Honorary Secretary

On Fri, Feb 6, 2009 at 3:31 PM, Glyn Nicholson-Ross wrote:
> Hello
> I wonder if you can help. The attached picture was taken at Mai Po in April
> 1994 and recently located whilst sorting through old photo albums. I know
> the image is not fantastic but was wondering if you or any one else in the
> HKBS would have any ideas. I have it labelled as Slaty-backed gull, but I
> think this unlikely. Any comments would be gratefully received.

On Thu, Feb 12, 2009 at 12:45 AM, Glyn Nicholson-Ross wrote:
> Hello Alan
>  
> Thankyou for your reply.I was wondering if you could put it on the forum on
> my behalf.I did not get many notes on this bird as I noticed it just before
> a spoon-billed sandpiper showed and when I tried to relocate it,the bird had
> gone.I am not disputing glaucous gull,but have seen a lot and I hope to
> think I would of identified it at the time.One thing that strikes me is the
> bill appears all dark and even in distant shots I have of glaucous it
> appears pale.Thankyou once again for your help.
>  
> Best Regards
> Glyn

cgeoff

This is a first-winter Slaty-backed Gull, very faded after a winter of south China sun. The all dark bill rules out Glaucous Gull, and is characteristic of SbG.

Which date in April did you see it?

Geoff

Webcreeper

On Sat, Feb 14, 2009 at 3:13 PM, Glyn Nicholson-Ross wrote:
> Hello Alan
>  
> Sorry to be a nuisance.I noticed on the forum that someone has asked for the
> date.The bird was photographed on the 8/4/1994 and unfortunately not seen
> subsequently despite looking.I was wondering also if you know if it is
> possible to still get hold of the bird report for 1994? as I would be most
> interested in reading it.
>  
> Best Regards
>  
> Glyn