Posted by Bill Maile on October 8, 2011 at 8:52 AM
Had a short visit at Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge in Brigantine area of NJ yesterday--WOW. Lots of birds there right now, plenty of egrets, cormorants, snow geese, ducks of all varieties, and on and on--many species I'm not even sure of.
That's a lead into this one--is this simply a type of gull, or can you please correctly ID it for me. Cropped version to follow. Unfortunately/fortunately I will probably have more questions!! Thank you.
Posted by Bill Maile on October 8, 2011 at 8:53 AM
And what do you think... snail or crab in its beak??
Posted by David Graham on October 8, 2011 at 12:26 PM
Yes, it's a gull....and that's a doorknob...
One does one's best...
Dave in SD
Posted by Bill Maile on October 8, 2011 at 12:34 PM
The gull must have stolen it from "The Raven" then.
Posted by Buck Ward on October 9, 2011 at 10:30 AM
I thought it was a mushroom, but I think your right - it is a doorknob.
Gulls can be tricky to identify for one who is not an experienced gull IDer. Check you field guide to see what's in your area this time of year. That can narrow it down. Best way to ID any bird is to find somebody with a spotting scope or an expensive pair of binoculars and ask. The volunteers at my local NWR know all the birds.
Posted by Joseph Jupin on October 10, 2011 at 4:32 PM
Hi Bill...I visit the Brig two or three times per week and was there yesterday...This looks like a Herring Gull...light grey/white wings with black tips. They often carry shellfish in their bills which they drop onto the roadway so the shells break to reveal the tasty contents.
Posted by Bill Maile on October 10, 2011 at 6:54 PM
Thank you Joseph, gee, I really thought it was a door knob. Hey, I mean the intelligent comments before yours...
Great place, hope to be back again. Good for you!
Posted by David Graham on October 29, 2011 at 8:00 AM
Hey, Bill,
I found mysel' near the Jersey shore early this week and, thanks to your post re: the Brigantines Refuge ( NE : "Forstyh Refuge" ) I headed thereto! A great day! Peregrines galore! saw eight to 12 total(perhaps a few double sightings). The image's are still in the memory card,but will post when I get back to SD NEXT WEEK OR THEVWEEK AFTER. I took a few shots at too great a distance and I'm afraid I may have strained the lens.... Went on to Cape May where accipiters were rife, and finally to Assateague...that peregrine migratory Mecca of renown....where not a single peregrine was to be seen!
Dave Graham
Rehoboth Beach, DE
(East River, SD)
Posted by Bill Maile on October 29, 2011 at 10:16 AM
Awesome Dave, I'm hoping to get back one more time before "everyone" is gone, virtually! It's a great little place, I have to revisit my folder from there, it was rife with activity and I'm 100% sure of a few sightings ID. :)
Discussion
9 repliesThat's a lead into this one--is this simply a type of gull, or can you please correctly ID it for me. Cropped version to follow. Unfortunately/fortunately I will probably have more questions!! Thank you.
One does one's best...
Dave in SD
Gulls can be tricky to identify for one who is not an experienced gull IDer. Check you field guide to see what's in your area this time of year. That can narrow it down. Best way to ID any bird is to find somebody with a spotting scope or an expensive pair of binoculars and ask. The volunteers at my local NWR know all the birds.
Great place, hope to be back again. Good for you!
I found mysel' near the Jersey shore early this week and, thanks to your post re: the Brigantines Refuge ( NE : "Forstyh Refuge" ) I headed thereto! A great day! Peregrines galore! saw eight to 12 total(perhaps a few double sightings). The image's are still in the memory card,but will post when I get back to SD NEXT WEEK OR THEVWEEK AFTER. I took a few shots at too great a distance and I'm afraid I may have strained the lens.... Went on to Cape May where accipiters were rife, and finally to Assateague...that peregrine migratory Mecca of renown....where not a single peregrine was to be seen!
Dave Graham
Rehoboth Beach, DE
(East River, SD)