The Status and Occurrence of Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus) in British Columbia. By Rick Toochin and Don Cecile. Revised: November 22, 2024.

 

The Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus) is a medium sized gull found as a breeding species in Europe (Jonsson 1992). There are three subspecies of the Lesser Black-backed Gull. The nominate subspecies, often considered by many experts to be its own species, sometimes called the “Baltic Gull” (Larus fuscus fuscus) is rare and declining with birds numbering at only about 20,000 pairs (Olsen and Larsson 2004). This subspecies is found breeding in Finland, the Baltic Sea, west to the Danish Islands of Bornholm and Hano Bukt, Sweden, very scarce in Norway, south to Tarva, very local breeder in Russia (at Onezhskii and Kandalaksha Bay) and in Poland (Olsen and Larsson 2004). The second subspecies of the Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus f. graellsii) is more widespread in Europe with birds breeding from Greenland (small population), Iceland, Great Britain, France, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, The Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden (Olsen and Larsson 2004). The third subspecies of Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus f. intermedius) is found within the range of the Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus f. graellsii) range with colonies in Norway, Denmark, The Netherlands, Belgium, and Scotland (Olsen and Larsson 2004).  The nominate subspecies of Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus fuscus) migrates through the Eastern Mediterranean countries and the Middle East; and winters along the coast of East Africa from Somalia, Kenya, south to Mozambique, and occasionally South Africa (Olsen and Larsson 2004). Some 1st cycle birds end up in West Africa in Mali, Gulf of Guinea, and Ghana (Olsen and Larsson 2004). There are records of this subspecies from the Red Sea, Yemen, and the Persian Gulf (Olsen and Larsson 2004). The second subspecies of the Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus f. graellsii) migrates throughout Western Europe, and winters in some of its breeding territory such as in Great Britain with most of the population wintering along the coast from western France, south to North Africa and Mauritania including offshore Islands; and out into the mid-Atlantic Ocean (Olsen and Larsson 2004). They also winter in the western Mediterranean region along the coastline of North Africa to Tunisia (Olsen and Larsson 2004). The third subspecies of Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus f. intermedius) migrates and winters in the same regions as (Larus f. graellsii) (Olsen and Larsson 2004).

 

The first record for North America of the Lesser Black-backed Gull was in 1934 (Edwards 1935). Over the next few decades records slowly increased until the mid-1970s when numbers began to rise rapidly (Post and Lewis 1995). Today the numbers of Lesser Black-backed Gull seen each year in Eastern North America have increased dramatically with this species being seen east of the Rocky Mountains on a regular basis (Post and Lewis 1995). The subspecies of Lesser Black-backed Gull that now regularly occurs in North America is (Larus f. graellsii) (Dunn and Alderfer 2011). This subspecies is a regularly occurring species in the winter along the east coast from Newfoundland to Florida, and south through coastal Texas (Post and Lewis 1995). Birds have also been found in Mexico in the winter and are increasingly found along the Atlantic coast as far south as Tampa and have been found wintering in the Yucatan Peninsula (Olsen and Larsson 2004, Howell and Webb 2010). This species is found in ever increasing numbers in the Great Lakes region and is slowing increasing each year along the Great Plains to Colorado (Post and Lewis 1995). It is still a rarity in all parts of Western North America, but, like everywhere else in North America, the rate of detection is slowly increasing (Post and Lewis 1995). The subspecies of Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus f. intermedius) has been recorded infrequently along the east coast of North America, but it is the subspecies of Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus f. graellsii) that wanders throughout North America (Post and Lewis 1995). 

 

Along the West Coast of North America, the Lesser Black-backed Gull is still considered a rare vagrant; however, it is increasing every year in California to the point that it is a rare regular species since there are 112 accepted records by the California Bird Records Committee (Tietz and McCaskie 2014). It is a very rare bird in Oregon with only 3 accepted records by the Oregon Bird Records Committee (OFO 2012). In Washington, there are many more records with 25 accepted records by the Washington Bird Records Committee (Wahl et al. 2005, WBRC 2012).  It was recently removed from the state review list (Wahl et al. 2005, WBRC 2012). In British Columbia, the Lesser Black-backed Gull is a rare to casually occurring species that is increasing each year with over 40 Provincial records from many different regions of the province (Campbell et al. 1990b, Toochin et al. 2014, 2018). In Alaska, the Lesser Black-backed Gull is a casually occurring species with records of the subspecies (Larus f. graellsii) scattered from all over the state (West 2008, Gibson et al. 2013). There is one record of an adult bird that has returned for many years to the Juneau area (West 2008). Of note, there is a recent specimen record from Shemya Island on September 15, 2005, in the Aleutian Islands, of the similar looking Asian Lesser Black-backed Gull, often considered its own species, called by some authorities “Heuglin’s Gull” (Larus heuglini) (Dunn and Alderfer 2011). Observers in British Columbia should be on the look-out for “Heuglin’s Gull”, but the taxonomy and identification of this bird is complicated and is beyond the scope of this article.

The identification of the Lesser Black-backed Gull is covered in all standard North American field guides. For purposes of this article only Lesser Black-backed Gull of the subspecies (Larus f. graellsii) will be described, since this subspecies is the only known subspecies to have been found in British Columbia (Campbell et al. 1990b, Toochin et al. 2014, 2018). The Lesser Black-Backed Gull is a medium sized species measuring 21 inches (53 cm) in length with a 54 inches (137 cm) wingspan (Dunn and Alderfer 2011). This species has very long, tapered wings that extend well past the tail on sitting birds (Sibley 2000).

 

The adult Lesser Black-backed Gull in breeding plumage is a beautiful bird that holds this plumage from February to September (Olsen and Larsson 2004). In breeding plumage, the domed head is white (Dunn and Alderfer 2011). The rest of the face, head and neck are white (Sibley 2000). The bill is long, thin, and dark yellow with a red spot on the lower mandible towards the tip, also called the gonys-spot (Olsen and Larsson 2004). There is a red orbital ring around the pale-yellow eye (Olsen and Larsson 2004). The throat, chest, belly and undertail coverts are white (Grant 1986). The tail is also all white (Sibley 2000). The mantle is dark slate gray with a thin white trailing edge or saddle (Olsen and Larsson 2004). The folded primaries are black with 5 small white mirrors (Olsen and Larsson 2004). The folded wings are long and extend well past the tip of the tail (Olsen and Larsson 2004). In flight, the upper wing is all dark slate gray with the black primaries appearing darker to the rest of the wing (Olsen and Larsson 2004). The tips of each primary have a small white edge with the outer most or P10 having a small white spot near the tip of the feather (Olsen and Larsson 2004). The underside of the open wing has a dark secondary or trailing edge that continues into the dark primary feathers (Olsen and Larsson 2004). The small white spot found on the upper side of the outermost primary feather is easily visible (Olsen and Larsson 2004). The rest of the underside of the wing is white (Olsen and Larsson 2004). The legs and feet are bright yellow (Dunn and Alderfer 2011). In winter plumage, the head has heavy dark streaks on the back of the neck, on the forehead, crown and especially around the eye (Olsen and Larsson 2004). Otherwise, the rest of the bird looks the same to adult birds in breeding plumage (Olsen and Larsson 2004). Birds in 4th cycle plumage hold this plumage from August to March (Olsen and Larsson 2004). Birds at this age have some black on the middle section of the bill with the rest of the bill yellow (Olsen and Larsson 2004). The rest of the bird essentially looks the same as birds in adult plumage (Olsen and Larsson 2004).

 

The Lesser Black-backed Gull in 3rd cycle plumage is similar in its appearance to adult birds and it holds this plumage from August to April (Olsen and Larsson 2004). There are some noticeable differences between the two ages. The crown, back of the neck, nape, around the eye and down the side of the neck is heavily streaked (Olsen and Larsson 2004). The bill has some yellow, usually at the tip, with most of the middle section of the bill black and some yellowish colour at the very base of the bill (Olsen and Larsson 2004). The eyes are yellow (Sibley 2000). The mantle is slate gray with a brownish cast to the feathers (Sibley 2000). The trailing edge is narrow white (Olsen and Larsson 2004). On the folded wing, there are very small white spots called mirrors that can be almost absent on some birds (Olsen and Larsson 2004). In flight, the dark mantle has a brownish tinge to the feathers, and the black of the primaries extends down the leading edge of the wing towards the shoulder (Olsen and Larsson 2004). There is a dirty wispy tail band that runs across the tip of the tail (Olsen and Larsson 2004). The legs are a fleshy colour that can be held until the early stages of the 4th cycle when the legs change to bright yellow (Olsen and Larsson 2004). 

 

The plumage of the Lesser Black-backed Gull in 2nd cycle varies greatly among individuals (Dunn and Alderfer 2011, Sibley 2000). This plumage is held from August to April (Olsen and Larsson 2004). The head has heavy brown streaking on the crown, nape, down the neck and sides, and around the eyes (Olsen and Larsson 2004). These streaks continue down the sides to the flanks (Sibley 2000). The eyes are dark early in the fall but change to light by late winter (Olsen and Larsson 2004). The bill is mostly black with a pale spot on the tip and base with a dark line running along the area where the upper and lower mandibles meet (Olsen and Larsson 2004). The mantle, scapulars, median coverts and inner tertials are dark slate-gray, contrasting with brown, and pale lesser and greater coverts (Olsen and Larsson 2004). The trailing edge is thin white with brown tertail feathers that have white edges (Olsen and Larsson 2004). The primaries are black with thin white edges where the white mirrors will show when the bird matures (Olsen and Larsson 2004). In flight, the upper wing is extensively black with the primaries only showing a narrow white edge that extends down the edge of the secondaries (Olsen and Larsson 2004). The black of the primaries extends down the secondaries (Olsen and Larsson 2004). Much of the wing is brown due to the lesser and greater coverts (Olsen and Larsson 2004). The underside of the wing is dirty brown with a dark trailing edge and black primaries (Olsen and Larsson 2004). The legs are fleshy to yellowish-fleshy coloured (Grant 1986). The tail has an extensive black band with white outer tail feathers and a white rump (Olsen and Larsson 2004). 

 

The Lesser Black-backed Gull in 1st cycle plumage is very dark and scaly (Dunn and Alderfer 2011). This plumage is held from October to April (Olsen and Larsson 2004). The bill is all black, but the base becomes paler by mid-winter (Olsen and Larsson 2004). The fore crown is pale with the rest of the head streaked, especially around the dark eye (Olsen and Larsson 2004). The neck and sides of the neck are streaks that extend down onto the breast and sides (Olsen and Larsson 2004). The mantle and coverts are dark centered with light edges giving these birds a scalloped look (Dunn and Alderfer 2011). The tertials are black with light brown on the outer edge of the feathers (Olsen and Larsson 2004). The folded primaries are black, lacking any white mirrors or edges (Olsen and Larsson 2004). In flight, the outer wing appears all black with black running down the trailing edge (Olsen and Larsson 2004). The rest of the wing is variable dark (Olsen and Larsson 2004). The underwing is dark as well with the primaries black (Olsen and Larsson 2004). There is a black tail band that runs across the tail tip (Olsen and Larsson 2004). The outer most tail feathers are white as is the base of the tail which has some dark bars (Olsen and Larsson 2004). The legs are fleshy coloured (Sibley 2000). 

 

The juvenile plumage of the Lesser Black-backed Gull is held from August to October (Olsen and Larsson 2004). It is like 1st cycle birds but has a more scalloped mantle with dark-centred feathers with light brown edges (Olsen and Larsson 2004). The rest of the markings are like 1st cycle birds, but these birds are browner looking overall (Olsen and Larsson 2004). The breast is browner down to the lower belly (Olsen and Larsson 2004). The undertail coverts are white with distinct dark barring (Olsen and Larsson 2004). The rump is pale like 1st cycle birds but has larger dark barring across the pale areas (Olsen and Larsson 2004). 

 

The following species could be confusing for less experienced observers. Only the adult plumages are discussed here. For further identification criteria, it is recommended readers consult Olsen and Larson (2004), Gulls of North America, Europe, and Asia, for more in-depth details on other ages of similar species.

 

The adult Slaty-backed Gull (Larus schistisagus) is a species that has a very dark slate-gray mantle that is like the adult Lesser Black-backed Gull (Sibley 2000, Dunn and Alderfer 2011). Here is where the similarities end as this species is much larger at 25 inches (64 cm) in length and a wingspan of 58 inches (147 cm) (Dunn and Alderfer 2011). This species is very bulky in its overall shape and has a very large thick white trailing edge that extends up the back on sitting birds (Olsen and Larsson 2004). It also has bright pink legs (Sibley 2000). Identification of adult birds should be straight-forward, and separation from a Lesser Black-backed Gull should also be quite easy for observers.

 

The adult Western Gull (Larus occidentalis) is a species that has a dark blue-gray mantle that is not quite as dark as any Lesser Black-backed Gull (Sibley 2000). This species is quite large at 25 inches (64 cm) in length and a wingspan of 58 inches (147 cm) (Dunn and Alderfer 2011). The head on pure birds is white in the summer and only lightly streaked in the winter (Olsen and Larsson 2004). They also have bright pink legs (Dunn and Alderfer 2011). The larger body size and the heavy yellow bill that has a large gonys-angle should not create any confusion with the smaller Lesser Black-backed Gull (Olsen and Larsson 2004).

 

The adult California Gull (Larus californicus) is about the same size of the Lesser Black-backed Gull at 21 inches (53 cm) in length and a wingspan of 54 inches (137 cm) (Dunn and Alderfer 2011). The eyes are dark in colour (Sibley 2000). The mantle though a dark gray is not the slate-gray of the Lesser-Black-backed Gull (Olsen and Larsson 2004). The bill is thin and straight but has a black and red spot on the gonys-angle (Olsen and Larsson 2004). The legs are yellow (Sibley 2000). There are two subspecies of the California Gull, the larger (Larus c. albertaensis) of which is about the same size as the Lesser Black-backed Gull, but the mantle is paler gray (Olsen and Larsson 2004). The other is smaller (Larus c. californicus) which is the nominate subspecies and is quite a bit darker gray on the mantle (Olsen and Larsson 2004). In flight, the underside of the wing is white and only shows bold black primaries (Olsen and Larsson 2004). In poor light, when this species can look much darker, the lack of the dark trailing edge found on the Lesser Black-backed Gull is a good field mark to note (R. Toochin Pers. Obs.).

 

The first record of the Lesser Black-backed Gull in British Columbia was an adult winter- plumaged bird photographed in Revelstoke from October 26 to November 10, 1989 (Campbell et al. 1990b, Toochin et al. 2014, 2018 see Table 1). Since that time, the species has increased in frequency and distribution around the province. This increase in observations follows the overall explosion of sightings from across North America since the mid-1970s (Post and Lewis 1995). There are now 101 records in British Columbia which gives the Lesser Black-backed Gull the status of rare overall but locally casual in occurrence (Toochin et al. 2014, 2018, see Table 1). This dramatic increase in records over a short period of time is mirrored in California where, up until 2003, there were only 23 accepted state records by the California Bird Records Committee (Hamilton et al. 2007). As of 2014, there are now over 110 State records with the bulk of the records occurring since 2004 (Tietz and McCaskie 2014). The Lesser Black-backed Gull today is almost an annually occurring species in the Okanagan Valley with anywhere from 1-3 birds occurring in each winter with scattered spring and a single summer record (Toochin et al. 2014, 2018, see Table 1). The Lesser Black-backed Gull has been recorded 4 times on Vancouver Island, 7 times in the Vancouver area, 15 times in the Upper Fraser Valley, 1 record from Powell River, 1 record for Sechelt, 9 records for Haida Gwaii, 1 record for the north coast at Kitimat, 1 record for the Peace River at Ft. St John, and over 55 times in the interior with the majority of these records coming from the Okanagan where some records are likely returning birds (Toochin et al. 2014, 2018, see Table 1). Though many sightings have been of adults or near adults, it is hard to know if there are even more Lesser Black-backed Gulls occurring in British Columbia, since younger plumages likely go under reported. As identification knowledge has increased in recent years, it is likely that in the future more younger birds will be found. As with any rarity, it is important to get as many records as possible photographed. There is always the possibility that in the future a Heuglin’s Gull from Asia could be identified from past photographed records or found by knowledgeable observers. The pattern of vagrancy of the Lesser Black-backed Gull in British Columbia involves arrivals in October with records found through mid-to-late February (Toochin et al. 2014, 2018, see Table 1). This date range is clearly reflected in California where the bulk of the state records occur from September to March with a few summer records (Hamilton et al. 2007, Tietz and McCaskie 2014). To date, there is only one summer record for British Columbia, and it comes from the Okanagan for the month of August (Toochin et al. 2014, 2018, see Table 1).  Given the recent rise in the frequency of records, the Lesser Black-backed Gull should be considered possible anywhere in British Columbia. If the current trend continues, it is possible that this species will become a regular rarity throughout the province.  

1.(1) adult winter plumage October 26-November 10, 1989: Doug Powell, mobs (RBCM Photo 1248) Revelstoke (Weber and Cannings 1990, Campbell et al. 1990b)

2.(1) adult breeding plumage September 26-October 17, 1993: Gary Davidson, mobs (photo) at Burton, on Lower Arrow Lake (Siddle 1994a, Davidson 1994, Toochin et al. 2014a)

3.(1) 3rd winter plumage January 25, 2001: Rick Toochin: 80th Ave. and Churchill St., Delta (Toochin 2014c)

4.(1) 1st winter plumage February 20, 2001: Rick Toochin, Jamie Fenneman: 80th Ave. and Churchill St., Delta (Toochin 2014c)

5.(1) 2nd winter plumage February 24, 2001: Neil Hughes: 80th Ave. and Churchill St., Delta (Toochin 2014c)

6.(1) 2nd winter plumage February 9-March 8, 2002: Don Cecile, mobs (photo) Vernon Creek, Okanagan Landing (Cecile 2002b, Toochin et al. 2014a)

7.(1) adult near breeding plumage March 6, 2002: Rick Toochin, MMe, DAJ: 96th St. and Hornby Drive, Delta (Toochin 2014c)

8.(1) 2nd winter December 8, 2002- February 26, 2003: Don Cecile, mobs (photo) Vernon Creek, Okanagan Landing (Cecile 2003b, Toochin et al. 2014a)

9.(1) adult winter plumage December 8, 2002: Rick Toochin, MMe, JF, JK DM: 96th St. and Burns Drive, Delta (Cecile 2003b, Toochin 2014c)

10.(1) 3rd winter plumage December 8-15, 2003: Don Cecile, mobs (photo) Vernon Creek, Okanagan Landing (Cecile 2004b, Toochin et al. 2014a)

11.(1) adult winter plumage December 21, 2003: RTo (photo) Delta Landfill, Delta (Toochin 2014c)

12.(1) 3rd winter plumage February 29, 2004: Ryan Tomlinson:  north side of Rotary Marshes in Kelowna (Toochin et al. 2014a)

13.(1) adult winter plumage November 9-30, 2004: Don Cecile, mobs (photo) Vernon Creek, Okanagan Landing (Cecile 2005b, Toochin et al. 2014a)

14.(1) adult winter plumage December 10, 2004: Michael Force: Shannon Lake Regional Park, Westbank (Cecile 2005b, Toochin et al. 2014a)

15.(1) adult winter plumage November 25-December 2, 2005: Don Cecile, mobs (photo) Vernon Creek, Ok Landing (Cecile 2006a, Toochin et al. 2014a)

     (1) adult winter plumage January 14, 2006: Chris Charlesworth, Russell Cannings: Kin Beach Vernon (Cecile 2006b, Toochin et al. 2014a)

     (1) adult winter plumage February 2-3, 2006: Laure Neish, mobs (photo) South end of Okanagan Lake, Penticton (Cecile 2006b, Toochin et al. 2014a)

     (1) adult winter plumage February 8-March 4, 2006: Don Cecile, mobs (photo) Vernon Creek, Ok Landing (Cecile 2006b, Toochin et al. 2014a)

16.(1) adult winter plumage November 18-26, 2006: Don Cecile, mobs (photo) Vernon Creek, Ok Landing (Toochin et al. 2014a) 

     (1) adult winter plumage November 30 & December 4 & 16, 2006 & January 4, 2007: Laure Neish, mobs (photo) Penticton (Cecile 2007b, Toochin et al. 2014a)

17.(1) 2nd winter plumage December 6-10, 2006: Laure Neish (photo) Penticton (Cecile 2008b, Toochin et al. 2014a)

18.(1) adult winter plumage November 1-8, 2007: Joyce Fraser, mobs: Power Creek, Westbank (Toochin et al. 2014a)

     (1) adult winter plumage February 6, 2007: Elke Fisher: Power Creek, Westbank (Cecile 2008a, Toochin et al. 2014a)

19.(1) adult winter plumage November 4-9, 2007: Don Cecile (photo) Kin Beach, Vernon (Toochin et al. 2014a)

     (1) adult winter plumage November 22, 2007: Mac Placido: Kin Beach, Vernon (Toochin et al. 2014a)

     (1) adult winter plumage November 25, 2007: Don Cecile: Vernon Creek, Okanagan Landing, Vernon (Toochin et al. 2014a)

     (1) adult winter plumage November 27, 2007: Don Cecile (photo) Kin Beach, Vernon (Toochin et al. 2014a)

     (1) adult winter plumage December 2, 2007: Chris Charlesworth: Okanagan Lake, Kelowna (Toochin et al. 2014a)

     (1) adult winter plumage December 19, 2007 – January 11, 2008: Laure Neish (photo) Okanagan Lake, Penticton (Toochin et al. 2014a)

     (1) adult winter plumage February 1, 2008: Chris Charlesworth: Maude Roxby Bird Sanctuary, Kelowna (Toochin et al. 2014a)

20.(1) adult winter plumage December 16, 2007: Rick Howie, Jean Crowe and Scott Decker: Kamloops Airport (Toochin et al. 2014a)

21.(1) adult winter plumage November 24 –December 14, 2008: Chris Siddle, mobs: Okanagan Lake, mouth of Vernon Creek (Toochin et al. 2014a)

22.(1) adult winter plumage January 17, 2009: Gwynneth Wilson, mobs: Mud Bay at the end of Francis Ave in Kelowna (Toochin et al. 2014a)

     (1) adult winter plumage January 19-26, 2009: mobs: Maude Roxby Bird Sanctuary in Kelowna [same bird as above] (Toochin et al. 2014a) 

     (1) adult winter plumage February 7, 2009: Russell Cannings, mobs: on top of the Memorial Arena, Kelowna [same bird as above] (Toochin et al. 2014a) 

24.(1) adult winter plumage October 21-22, 2009: Rick Toochin (photo/video) Muir Creek - Shirley- Otter Point, Juan de Fuca (Toochin 2014b)

23.(1) adult winter plumage September 15-17, 2009: Russell Cannings, mobs: Roberts Lake, Kelowna (Charlesworth 2010a)

     (1) adult winter plumage September 21, 2009: Chris Charlesworth, mobs: Sunderland Bay, Kelowna (Charlesworth 2010a)

     (1) adult winter plumage November 3-4, 2009: Russell Cannings, mobs: Roberts Lake, Kelowna (Charlesworth 2010b)

     (1) adult winter plumage November 9-December 13, 2009:  Russell Cannings, mobs: Roberts  Lake, Kelowna (Charlesworth 2010b)

     (1) adult winter plumage December 6, 2009- January 23, 2010: Russell Cannings, mobs (photo) Maude Roxby Bird Sanctuary, Kelowna (Charlesworth 2010b)

     (1) adult winter plumage February 7-27, 2010: Don Cecile, mobs (photo) Vernon Creek – Roberts Creek (Charlesworth 2010b)

25.(1) 3rd year plumage September 25-27, 2010: James Bradley, mobs (photo) Sandspit, Haida Gwaii (Likely Asian subspecies) (Charlesworth 2011a)

26.(1) adult winter plumage November 5, 2010: RT, mobs: Nicomen Slough, Highway 7 near Nicomen Island Trunk Rd., Mission (Toochin 2014d)

27.(1) adult winter plumage November 21-22, 2010: Russ Cannings, mobs (photo) Maude Roxby Bird Sanctuary, Kelowna (Charlesworth 2011a)

     (1) adult winter plumage December 18, 2010: Michael Force (photo) Kelowna Landfill (Charlesworth 2011b)

     (1) adult winter plumage January 15, 2011: Russ Cannings (photo) Kelowna Landfill (Charlesworth 2011b)

     (1) adult winter plumage March 16, 2011: Russ Cannings (photo) Maude Roxby Bird Sanctuary, Kelowna (Charlesworth 2011c)

28.(1) adult winter plumage March 11, 2011: Ted Hillary: Salmon Arm (Charlesworth 2011c)

29.(1) adult winter plumage March 17-19, 2011: Linda Van Damme, mobs (photo) Creston (Charlesworth 2011c)

30.(1) 2nd cycle October 3, 2011: Chris Charlesworth, Michael Force (photo) mouth of Mission Creek, Kelowna (Toochin et al. 2014a)

31.(1) adult winter plumage October 22-23, 2011: Laure Neish, mobs (photo) Penticton lakeshore (Toochin et al. 2014a)

     (1) adult winter plumage November 19-27, 2011: Brandon Holden: Kelowna [same bird as above?] (Toochin et al. 2014a)

     (1) adult winter plumage February 11-14, 2012: Chris Charlesworth, mobs (photo) Penticton to Kelowna area (Toochin et al. 2014a)

     (1) adult winter plumage March 7, 2012: mobs (photo) Penticton to Kelowna area (Toochin et al. 2014a)

32.(1) 2nd cycle November 27, 2011: Michael Force:  Robert Lake, Kelowna [same bird as above?] (Toochin et al. 2014a)

     (1) 2nd cycle January 30-February 14, 2012: CC, MF (photo) Okanagan Landing, Vernon (Toochin et al. 2014a)

     (1) 2nd cycle March 7, 2012: mobs (photo) Okanagan Lake Beach, Penticton (Toochin et al. 2014a)

33.(1) 3rd cycle August 1, 2012: Chris Charlesworth, mobs (photo) Kelowna Landfill (Toochin et al. 2014a)

34.(1) adult winter plumage December 23, 2012: Stu Weir (photo) Robert Lake, Kelowna (Toochin et al. 2014a)

      (1) adult winter plumage December 26, 2012 – January 26, 2013: Chris Charlesworth, mobs (photo) Maude Roxby Bird Sanctuary, Kelowna (Toochin et al. 2014a)

35.(1) adult winter plumage October 26-27, 2013: Richard Cannings, mobs (photo) Okanagan Lake, Penticton (Toochin et al. 2014a)

      (1) adult winter plumage November 5, 2013: Chris Siddle: Kal Rotary Pier, Coldstream, near Vernon (Toochin et al. 2014a)

36.(1) adult March 7, 2014: Chris Charlesworth: Robert Lake, Kelowna (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

37.(1) 2nd cycle June 27, 2014: Peter Hamel, Margo Hearne: on BC Ferry in Hecate Strait, Haida Gwaii, side (P. Hamel Pers. Comm.)

38.(1) adult late August, 2014: Ralph Ritcey: Tranquille area, Kamloops (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

39.(1) 1st year plumage October 5, 2014: Rick Toochin, Mitch Meredith, Peter Hamel, Margo Hearne, Martin Williams: Skonun Point, Masset, Haida Gwaii (R. Toochin Pers. Comm.)

40.(1) 1st year plumage October 15, 2014: Rick Toochin, Peter Hamel (photo) Skidegate Ferry, Haida Gwaii [same bird as above?] (R. Toochin Pers. Comm.)

41.(1) 3rd- 4th cycle October 10-31, 2014: Dick Cannings, mobs (photo) Penticton (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

42.(1) adult winter plumage November 1-11, 2014: Chris Siddle, mobs: Kalavista Park, Vernon (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

      (1) adult winter plumage November 16-22, 2014: Chris Charlesworth, Ryan Tomlinson, mobs: Roberts Lake, Kelowna (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

      (1) adult winter plumage November 23-25, 2014: Russell Cannings (photo) Penticton (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

43.(1) adult winter plumage November 5-27, 2014: Rick Toochin, mobs (photo) Sumas Prairie, Abbotsford (R. Toochin Pers. Comm.)

      (1) adult winter plumage February 28, 2015: Rick Toochin, Paul & David Baker (FN) McDermott Road, Abbotsford (R. Toochin Pers. Comm.)

44.(1) 3rd – 4th cycle December 9, 2014 – February 25, 2015: Rick Toochin, mobs (photo) Sumas Prairie, Abbotsford & East Chilliwack (Toochin Pers. Comm.)

45.(1) adult winter plumage February 8, 2015: Ted Hillary, Roger Beardmore (photo) Salmon Arm (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

46.(1) 2nd – 3rd cycle February 21-28, 2015: Neil Hughes, Rick Toochin, Paul and David Baker (photo) Schneider Road to McDermott Road, Abbotsford (Neil Hughes Pers. Comm.)

47.(1) 3rd cycle July 7, 2015: Allan and Reba Dupilka (photo) Salmon Arm (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

48.(1) adult September 12, 2015: Ian Cruickshank (photo) Sandspit Airport, Haida Gwaii (P. Hamel Pers. Comm.)

49.(1) adult winter plumage October 5-6, 2015: Rick Toochin (photo) end of Beharrell Road on Fraser River, Matsqui Prairie (R. Toochin Pers. Comm.)

      (1) adult winter plumage October 21-22 & 30, 2015: Gord Gadsden, mobs (photo) East Chilliwack [Same bird as above] (R. Toochin Pers. Comm.)

      (1) adult winter plumage November 5, 2015: Rick Toochin (photo) Beharrell Road, Matsqui (R. Toochin Pers. Comm.)

50.(1) 2nd cycle October 5, 2015: Gord Gadsden: Island 22 (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

      (1) 2nd cycle October 10, 2015: Rick Toochin, Mitch Meredith: Sandberg Road, Matsqui Prairie [same bird as above] (R. Toochin Pers. Comm.)

     (1) 2nd cycle December 9, 2015: Rick Toochin (photo) Townshipline Road, Matsqui Prairie, Abbotsford (R. Toochin Pers. Comm.)

51.(1) adult winter plumage November 2-6, 2015: Chris Charlesworth, mobs (photo) Kelowna Landfill (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

      (1) adult winter plumage December 17-18, 2015: Chris Charlesworth, mobs (photo) Kelowna Landfill (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

52.(1) adult winter plumage November 3, 2015: Chris Siddle: Kalamalka Lake, Vernon (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

53.(1) adult winter plumage November 6-22, 2015: Craig Sandvig, mobs (photo) College Oxbox Inlet, Castlegar (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

54.(1) adult winter plumage November 6, 2015: Ted Hillary: Salmon Arm (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

55.(1) adult winter plumage January 13, 2016: Rick Toochin: 27715 Huntingdon Road, Abbotsford (R. Toochin Pers. Comm.)

56.(1) adult breeding plumage April 19, 2016: Peter Hamel, Margo Hearne: Sandspit Airport, Haida Gwaii (P. Hamel Pers. Comm.)

57.(1) adult winter plumage October 19- November 18, 2016: Chris Siddle, mobs (photo) Kalamalka Lake, Vernon (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

      (1) adult winter plumage February 6-March 3, 2017: Logan Lalonde: Rotary Beach, Lakeshore Road, Kelowna (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

      (1) adult winter plumage March 8, 2017: Chris Siddle (photo) Vernon Creek, Okanagan Landing, Vernon (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

58.(1) adult winter plumage October 23, 2016: Ted Hillary: Salmon Arm (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

59.(1) adult winter plumage October 12, 2017: Doug Kragh, mobs (photo) Sutherland Bay, Kelowna (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

      (1) adult winter plumage October 20, 2017: Eric Newton: Okanagan Lake Beach, Penticton (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

      (1) adult winter plumage October 30, 2017: Chris Siddle, mobs (photo) mouth of Vernon Creek, Vernon (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

60.(1) 1st cycle October 29, 2017: Rick Toochin, Al Russell: Harris Road (R. Toochin Pers. Comm.)

61.(1) adult breeding plumage March 10-12, 2018: Chris Siddle, mobs (photo) mouth of Vernon Creek, Vernon (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

62.(1) adult breeding plumage March 25, 2018: Ted Hillary: from the pier, Salmon Arm (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

63.(1) 1st in transition to 2nd cycle October 17, 2018: Warren Flesaker (photo) Burton (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

64.(1) 1st cycle October 27, 2018: Rick Toochin, Dave Baker, Paul Baker (photo) Beharrell Road, Matsqui (R. Toochin Pers. Comm.)

65.(1) 2nd cycle October 31, 2018: Chris Charlesworth, mobs (photo) Kelowna (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

      (1) 2nd cycle November 26-December 20, 2018: Chris Siddle, mobs (photo) Vernon Creek, Vernon (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

66.(1) 1st cycle December 15, 2018: Rick and Keelan Toochin (photo) Dixon Road (R. Toochin Pers. Comm.)

67.(1) 3rd cycle December 20, 2018: Logan Lalonde (photo) Robert Lake, Kelowna (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

68.(1) 2nd-3rd cycle October 7, 2019: Rick Toochin, Louis Haviland, Mitch Meredith, Peter Hamel (photo) Queen Charlotte City, Haida Gwaii (R. Toochin Pers. Comm.)

69.(1) adult winter plumage October 28-November 2, 2019: Chris Siddle, mobs (photo) Kalamalka Lake Pier, Vernon (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

      (1) adult breeding plumage February 15, 2020: Chris Siddle, mobs (photo) mouth of Vernon Creek, Vernon (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

      (1) adult breeding plumage February 16, 2020: Kalin Ocaña (photo) Mission Creek, Kelowna (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

70.(1) adult breeding plumage April 25, 2020: Iwan Van Veen (photo) Sliammon Pt., Powell River (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

71.(1) 2nd cycle August 21-22, 2020: Jeremy Gatten, mobs (photo) Esquimalt Lagoon, Victoria (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

72.(1) 2nd cycle August 26-29, 2020: Chris Charlesworth, mobs: observed from Robert Lake, Glenmore Landfill, and Sutherland Bay on Okanagan Lake, Kelowna Area (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

      (1) 2nd cycle September 19-20, 2020: Brad Vissia (photo) south end of Gellatly Bay, West Kelowna and later the mouth of Mission Creek, Kelowna (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

      (1) 2nd cycle October 6-8, 2020: Brad Vissa, mobs (photo) Powers Creek, West Kelowna (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

73.(1) 2nd cycle August 31-September 10, 2020: Julia and Warren Flesaker, mobs (photo) Nakusp (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

74.(1) adult mostly breeding plumage September 15, 2020: James Jansen, mobs (photo) Gellatly Bay, West Kelowna (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

75.(1) adult breeding plumage September 25-October 22, 2020: Chris McDonald, mobs (photo) Charlie Lake, Peace River (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

      (1) adult breeding plumage October 6-22, 2020: Ilya Povalyaev, mobs (photo) Fort St. John Landfill (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

76.(1) 3rd cycle September 28, 2020: Joachim Bertrands: Kitimat (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

77.(1) 1st cycle October 20, 2020: Wayne Weber: log booms Sutherland Bay, north end Kelowna (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

78.(1) adult winter plumage November 8, 2020: Rick Toochin (photo) Angus-Campbell Road (R. Toochin Pers. Comm.)

79.(1) adult winter plumage November 23, 2020: Peter Hamel: near the Bar, from BC Ferry, Haida Gwaii, Hecate Strait (P. Hamel Pers. Comm.)

80.(1) adult winter plumage December 23, 2020: Chris Siddle, mobs (photo) mouth of Vernon Creek, Okanagan Landing, near Vernon [possibly same bird as above] (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

      (1) adult winter plumage December 28, 2020 – March 14, 2021: Jim and Dierdre Turnbull (photo) Lakeshore Dr. near Power St, Penticton [likely same bird as above] (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

81.(1) 4th cycle May 8, 2021: Catherine McLean, Gary Davidson (photo) Mouth of the Kuskanax River entering Upper Arrow Lake, north of Nakusp (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.) 

82.(1) adult breeding plumage September 12-16, 2021: Wendy Roberts (photo) St. Mary Lake in Meachen, near Kimberley (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

83.(1) adult breeding plumage in molt September 19, 2021: Joachim Bertrands, mobs (photo) Whiffin Spit, Sooke (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

84.(1) adult October 13-14, 2021: Rick Toochin (photo) Beharrell Road, Matsqui (R. Toochin Pers. Comm.)

85.(1) adult October 25, 2021: Chris Charlesworth, mobs (photo) north end Sutherland Bay, Kelowna (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

86.(1) 1st cycle November 13-23, 2021: David Bell, mobs (photo) Maude Roxby Sanctuary, Kelowna (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

87.(1) adult November 16-29, 2021: Alex Bodden (photo) Okanagan Lake, near Penticton Waterfront (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

88.(1) second cycle September 10, 2022: Evan Larson, Liam Singh (photo) Gordons Beach, Sooke (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

89.(1) adult September 15, 2022: Julia and Warren Flesaker, mobs (photo) Kuskanax River, Nakusp (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

90.(1) adult winter plumage November 6-16, 2022: Mark Gardiner, mobs (photo) Okanagan Lake Beach, Penticton (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

      (1) adult winter plumage November 24-27, 2022: Alex Bodden, mobs (photo) Okanagan Lake Beach, Penticton (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

91.(1) 2nd-3rd cycle November 11, 2022: Chris Siddle (photo) Vernon Creek mouth, Okanagan Landing (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

92.(1) adult winter plumage November 13-16, 2022: Warren and John Flesaker, mobs (photo) Nakusp (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

93.(1) adult breeding plumage June 30, 2023: Ryan Tomlinson: mouth of Mission Creek, Kelowna (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)
94.(1) 2nd cycle October 26-28, 2023: Don Cecile, mobs (photo) Salmon Arm (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

95.(1) 1st cycle November 5, 2023: Rick Toochin (photo) Angus-Campbell Road (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)
96.(1) adult winter plumage November 9, 2023: Ryan Tomlinson, Jasmine Korcok (photo) Maude Roxby Bird Sanctuary, Kelowna (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)

97.(1) 2nd cycle November 22- December 7, 2023: Chris Charlesworth, mobs (photo) Okanagan Lake Beach, Penticton (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)
98.(1) 2nd cycle December 17-18, 2023: Mari Petznek, mobs (photo) Sechelt Landfill (D. Cecile Pers. Comm.)
99.(1) 2nd cycle April 12, 2024: Rick Toochin, Mark Russell (photo) Sumas Prairie, Abbotsford (R. Toochin Pers. Comm.)
100.(1) 1st cycle molting into 2nd cycle July 15, 2024: Rick Toochin, mobs (photo) Skonun Beach, Haida Gwaii (R. Toochin Pers. Comm.)
101.(1) 2nd cycle October 20, 2024: Liam Singh (photo) Jordan River (G. Newell Pers. Comm.)
102.(1) 1st cycle November 22, 2024: Rick and Keelan Toochin (photo) Powerhouse Road near Wells Line Road, Sumas Prairie (R. Toochin Pers. Comm.)

We wish to thank Barbara McKee for editing the manuscript. I want to thank Jamie Fenneman for his contributions on the first version of this article. We also wish to Michael Ashbee, James Bradley, the late Paul Baker and Becke Sawatzky for allowing us to use their Lesser Black-backed Gull images from Kelowna, Haida Gwaii, and Abbotsford. All photos are used with permission of the photographer and are fully protected by copyright law.

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