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Seagull, Astoria, Oregon.
Image taken February 19, 2005.
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Western Gull ...
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology gives the description of the Western Gull ("Larus occidentalis") as a
* Large gull.
* Head and underparts white.
* Back dark slate gray.
* Legs pink.
* Size: 56-66 cm (22-26 in)
* Wingspan: 120-144 cm (47-57 in)
* Weight: 800-1250 g (28.24-44.13 ounces).
The sexes are alike in plumage with the male being slightly larger.
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"... A large, dark-backed gull of the Pacific Coast, the Western Gull is seldom found far from the ocean.
... The Western Gull hybridizes extensively with the Glaucous-winged Gull, with the hybrids being the most common form in Washington. The hybrids can be similar to the parent adult forms, but usually have intermediate back and wingtip coloring. With the medium-gray back, dark upper surface to wingtips, frosty white undersurface to wingtips and a darkish eye, a hybrid may closely resemble a robust Thayer's Gull. The flatter and larger head of the hybrid, and especially the thick bill with a pronounced angle on the bottom, should help distinguish it from the smaller, slimmer Thayer's Gull.
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[Cornell Lab of Ornithology Website, 2006]
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Seagull, Tidewater Cove.
Mount Hood is in the background.
Image taken October 9, 2006.
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View from Astoria, Oregon.
Image taken February 19, 2005.
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From the Journals of Lewis and Clark ...
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Lewis, March 5, 1806, ...
Aquatic Birds of this country or such as obtain their Subsistence from the water, are the large blue [Great Blue Heron] and brown heron, fishing Hawk [Osprey], blue crested fisher, Gulls of Several Species of the Coast, the large grey Gull of the Columbia [most likely the Western Gull], Comorant [Double-crested Cormorant], loons of two Species, white and the brown brant, Small and large Geese [including the Canada Goose], small and large Swans, the Duckinmallard, canvis back Duck, red headed fishing Duck, black and white duck, little brown Duck, Black Duck, two Species of Divers, blue winged teal, and Some other Species of Ducks, two Species of Plevers.
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