Franklin's Gull (Larus pipixcan)

Above: A first-winter Franklin's Gull in Dorchester Co., Maryland (10/22/2006). This diminutive bird, which was quickly spotted by Jim Stasz, appears to be a different bird than we've recently seen here. Note the nice comparison, especially structurally, with the Laughing Gull at back.

Above: Yes, the beautiful pig farm. There's no end to the weird places you can find birds! Laughing Gulls in foreground. Dorchester Co., Maryland (10/22/2006).

Above and below two: A first-winter Franklin's Gull at the Salisbury Landfill, Wicomico Co., Maryland (12/10/2005).

A first-cycle Franklin's Gull at the Ocean City Inlet, Maryland (11/29/2009). It was a Worcester Co. bird for Mark Hoffman, which says a lot about the species' rarity in the county. It appears to be the third record for the county after 2/8/1986 (Rick Blom, pelagic) and 10/11/1991 (Michael O'Brien, O.C. Inlet). Thanks to Bob Ringler for maintaining and sharing these records. Notice the tiny bill, delicate structure, cute appearance, distinctive partial hood, short wings, and clean white underwings with black in the primaries.

Above and below: A first-cycle Franklin's Gull at the Ocean City Inlet, Maryland (11/29/2009). It was a Worcester Co. bird for Mark Hoffman, which says a lot about the species' rarity in the county. It appears to be the third record for the county after 2/8/1986 (Rick Blom, pelagic) and 10/11/1991 (Michael O'Brien, O.C. Inlet). Thanks to Bob Ringler for maintaining and sharing these records. Notice the tiny bill, delicate structure, cute appearance, distinctive partial hood, short wings, and clean white underwings with black in the primaries.

A first-cycle Franklin's Gull at the Ocean City Inlet, Maryland (11/29/2009). It was a Worcester Co. bird for Mark Hoffman, which says a lot about the species' rarity in the county. It appears to be the third record for the county after 2/8/1986 (Rick Blom, pelagic) and 10/11/1991 (Michael O'Brien, O.C. Inlet). Thanks to Bob Ringler for maintaining and sharing these records. Notice the tiny bill, delicate structure, cute appearance, distinctive partial hood, short wings, and clean white underwings with black in the primaries.

A first-cycle Franklin's Gull at the Ocean City Inlet, Maryland (11/29/2009). It was a Worcester Co. bird for Mark Hoffman, which says a lot about the species' rarity in the county. It appears to be the third record for the county after 2/8/1986 (Rick Blom, pelagic) and 10/11/1991 (Michael O'Brien, O.C. Inlet). Thanks to Bob Ringler for maintaining and sharing these records. Notice the tiny bill, delicate structure, cute appearance, distinctive partial hood, short wings, and clean white underwings with black in the primaries.

A first-cycle Franklin's Gull at the Ocean City Inlet, Maryland (11/29/2009). It was a Worcester Co. bird for Mark Hoffman, which says a lot about the species' rarity in the county. It appears to be the third record for the county after 2/8/1986 (Rick Blom, pelagic) and 10/11/1991 (Michael O'Brien, O.C. Inlet). Thanks to Bob Ringler for maintaining and sharing these records. Notice the tiny bill, delicate structure, cute appearance, distinctive partial hood, short wings, and clean white underwings with black in the primaries.

Below: We relocated the bird at dusk after it had gone to roost with the large gull flock north of the fishing pier.

We relocated the bird at dusk after it had gone to roost with the large gull flock north of the fishing pier.

Below: A Franklin's Gull at Sandy Point State Park, Anne Arundel Co., Maryland (10/27/2010).

A Franklin's Gull at Sandy Point State Park, Anne Arundel Co., Maryland (10/27/2010).


Below: Although caution is a must at a distance, this photo illustrates the difference in impression between the Franklin's Gull (top-left) and a Laughing Gull (Sandy Point SP, 10/27/2010). Note the slightly smaller size, daintier shape, suggestion of the shorter bill (bill almost not visible), and the exact shape of the partial hood. For full effect, shake your monitor to simulate wind hitting your scope.

Although caution is a must at a distance, this photo illustrates the difference in impression between the Franklin's Gull (top-left) and a Laughing Gull (Sandy Point SP, 10/27/2010). Note the slightly smaller size, daintier shape, suggestion of the shorter bill (bill almost not visible), and the exact shape of the partial hood. For full effect, shake your monitor to simulate wind hitting your scope. Photo by Bill Hubick.

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