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Bonaparte's Gull:
The Bonaparte's Gull was named after Charles Lucien Bonaparte, who, in the 1820s, made important contributions to American ornithology and became known as the "father of taaxonomy". The scientific name Larus philadelphia was given in 1815 by the describer of the species, George Ord of Philadelphia, presumably because he collected his specimen there.
Ehrlich, Dobkin, and Wheye, in their 1988 publication "The Birder's Handbook", write "The origins of the word gull are thought by some to be the same as those of 'gullet', 'gulp', and 'gullible' (all based on the Latin gula, throat). It might, therefore, refer to the birds' scavenging habits. On the other hand, the name might be onomatopoetic."
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Lewis and Clark are given credit with the discovery of the Bonaparte's Gull during their 1805/1806 exploration of the Columbia River. Captain Clark wrote about the little gull in his journal on March 6, 1806, while at Fort Clatsop.
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"... There are 4 Species of the larus or gull on this coast and river. 1st a Small Species the size of a Pegion; white except some black spots about the head and the little bone on the but of the wing ..."
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Captain Lewis wrote about the gull in his journal on March 7, 1806.
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"... there are four speceis of larus or gull on this coast and river, 1st a small speceis about the size of a pigeon; white except some black spots about the head and a little brown on the but of the wings ..."
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Fernhill Wetlands, Forest Grove, Oregon ...
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Click image to enlarge
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Bonaparte's Gull, Fernhill Wetlands, Forest Grove, Oregon.
Image taken October 16, 2010.
Canon Rebel T2i, 300mm.
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Bonneville Dam, Washington side ...
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Click image to enlarge
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Bonaparte's Gulls, Bonneville Dam, Washington side.
Image taken November 2, 2010.
Canon EOS 7d, 400mm.
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Ridgefield NWR, Washington ...
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