This gull was discovered 12 January 2002 at the ferry dock for the Kelleys Island Ferry. It was initially detected while the two observers, Victor W. Fazio III and H. Thomas Bartlett were still on the ferry awaiting to disembark. This was appx. 7:22 am or well before sunrise. Glimpsing the bird in the only light available, that of the artificial lighting at the dock, the initial call was Lesser Black-backed Gull. As it dawned upon us the bird was a good deal smaller, certainly no larger than the accompanying Ring-billed Gulls, we quickly went to the back of the boat for a closer look. We relocated the bird circling the boat, but soon were ushered off the ferry as we were the only passengers. From the dock we studied the bird resting and in flight. So distinctive was the bird that at 60 meters, resting within a flock of Ring-billed Gulls, one could readily pick it out with the naked eye - and this was still before sun-up. Our ride arrived taking us away on our monthly census of the island. We did so concluding that we had NO IDEA as to the identity of this bird (between the two of us we have seen and photographed most every North American gull so this was a bothersome conclusion). Our census was especially productive with a January record tally of 47 species. Unfortunately, that left us with SECONDS to spare in order to catch the departing 12:30 ferry. Jogging to the back of the boat, camera at the ready, I figured we had 90 seconds to relocate the bird and obtain diagnostic photos before the ferry left the dock. And we did, relocate it that is. As to whether or not I obtained diagnostic photos I leave that up to YOU the reader. After seriously entertaining Mew Gull, we both remain undecided on this one. Keep in mind, if not identifiable to species, perhaps it is identifiable to a hybrid. I have one in mind, one previously recorded in Ohio. But without first-hand experience, I'd rather see what everyone else has to say first before offering that conclusion and my reasoning behind it. Here's a clue - In the underwing shot, block out the torso, so that just the wings are apparent, and ask yourself what common gull has wings just like that.-V.W.F.III

Mouse-over captions provide commentary as to the pertinent features one should study in each shot.