Submission No 466: Franklin’s Gull Larus crassirostris, Little River Mouth, Port Philip Bay, VIC. 22 January 2005 (Unpublished) Submitted by: M. Hulzebosch.

This submission relates to the sighting of a Franklin’s Gull located at the Western Treatment Plant, Port Philip Bay, VIC on the 22^nd January 2005. The bird was in view for several hours and subsequently relocated and photographed by a number of observers on the 25^th January 2005.

At the time of the sighting the bird was identified as either a Franklin’s or Laughing Gull and subsequently identified from photographs and notes taken. The white band between the black wing tips and the grey upperwing is diagnostic and the combination of this and the extent of dark on the head suggest a second winter bird. The bill does appear rather long and drooped in one or two of the photographs, which again proves that observers cannot be too complacent when it comes to separating the two species.

Members voted unanimously in favour of acceptance. The 14th record to be accepted by BARC.

References & Bibliography:

· Dwight, J. 1925. The Gulls (Laridae) of the World: their plumages, moults, variations, relationships and distribution. Bull. Amer. Nat. Hist. 52: 63-401.

· Grant, P.J. 1986. Gulls: a Guide to Identification. 2^nd edn. Poyser, Calton.

• Marchant, S. & P.J. Higgins 1990. The Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds. Oxford University Press; Melbourne.

Verdict: Accepted

Tony Palliser

Chairman, Birds Australia Rarities Committee