I'm very poor at ID ing gulls. Is this a Bonapate's Gull? Image was taken at Van Damme State Park on April 30th. Van Damme is in Northern California right on the Pacific Ocean.
I believe that this is a Black Headed Gull. The hood is less extensive (doesn't extend as far back on the head) and has a brown tin to it (at least in these photos). The bill appears heavier then a Bonapartes.As well the mantle is fairly pale compared to a Bonapartes.
The black bill does put us solidly in the Bonaparte's Gull ID. I don't see any brown tinge, but I will agree the bill looks heavier than that depicted in the Sibley guide. Still, I think this is certainly a Bonaparte's. Check out this ID painting and it looks very similar: http://identify.whatbird.com/obj/459...rtes_Gull.aspx
Judd,
Thanks for the link. Using it I looked up both gulls ranges. It appears more likely be a Bonaparte's based upon the fact that the Black Headed Gull's range is mostly found on the east coast of the US.
Agree, Bonaparte's- range, black bill, overall dainty look. Black-head is definitely a candidate that should be considered. Bonaparte's Gulls are very interesting because they nest in conifer trees in the boreal forest of Alaska and Canada!