Franklin's Gulls still at Caesar Creek

This morning (Saturday, 30 Sep 06) there were still two Franklin's Gulls on the beach at Caesar Creek State Park (Directions here). One was apparently the molting adult photographed earlier in the week by Rick Asamoto. The other was a juvenile very early in the molt to first basic plumage. Fortunately, the sun came out and I was able to get some pictures.

Adult Franklin's Gull, beginning to lose the black hood as it molts into basic plumage. Note red tip to end of delicate bill. There is a faint, but clearly discernible pinkish bloom visible on belly, which apparently is present in some breeding birds.

Franklin's Gull in first winter plumage. Gray mantle overlapping brown coverts and flight feathers.

First winter Franklin's Gull in flight. The two outer tail feathers are pure white, leaving the black tail band incomplete. In Laughing Gull, the band goes completely across the end of the tail.

First winter Franklin's Gull zips past a watchful Larry Gara. Eric Baumgardner was also present.