I took this at the Sebastian Inlet just north of Vero Beach, FL the other day. I am not a good gull identifier, but after what seems like hours in the bird books I think it might be a Franklin Gull. Can anyone help?
Thanks ahead of time.
This bird looks like a winter adult Laughing Gull to me. Franklin's in adult plumage should show strong white primary spots. They also tend to show strong smudging on the nape and back of the crown as compared to the light smudging showing just on the nape of this bird. Franklin's shows large white eye crescents while this bird shows very small ones. The bill also looks too big and black for Franklin's.
I agree with Paul, Laughing Gull. I am not sure but I also think Franklin's Gull would be a good find in Florida...generally found in the midwest, Texas, Oklahoma area in winter and Alberta and Saskatchewan Summer. Nice flight photo
Is this a Franklin's Gull?
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