Western Gull (Larus occidentalis)

Western Gull (Larus occidentalis) observed off O'Connell Brige, 31 March 2009.

For the second year in a row, an apparently pure (or nearly so) Western Gull showed up in/around the Channel. Unlike the Western Gull I saw last year, this one was not hanging out right on the ramp where it was easy to get reasonably close photos. I happened to notice this one in fading light while checking out gulls on a rock pile below the bridge shortly before sunset. At first I thought it was the Slaty-backed Gull I had seen earlier in the month, but when I looked at the pictures, it was clear that it was not a Slaty-backed Gull. I almost went down to the beach below the bridge to try for better photos, but the flock was startled up by a passing boat an when the Western Gull landed, it was on the opposite side the rocks where I could not see it nearly as well.

Western Gulls are considered Casual in Alaska, and this only the fifth report I know of for the Sitka area.

Thanks to Steve Heinl for confirming this identification.

Western Gull (Larus occidentalis) observed off O'Connell Brige, 31 March 2009.

Western Gull (Larus occidentalis) observed off O'Connell Brige, 31 March 2009.