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Case Summary for:
Submission No 227: Franklin’s Gull Larus pipixcan, Eagle Bay, WA, 24th April 1991. Submitted by: Ian Standring. Verdict: Accepted This case relates to the sighting of a bird seen by several observers on a beach at Eagle Bay between Dunsborough and Cape Naturaliste in South-West Western Australia on the 24th April 1991 and again briefly on the 25th April 1991. An excellent submission presented with a series of photographs and comprehensive notes that clearly depict a hooded gull. Views to within 10 metres were obtained and direct comparisons were made with nearby Silver Gull Larus novaehollandiae and other species. The originators were able to provided a very convincing case which eliminated Laughing Gull Larus atricilla and other contenders beyond all doubt. Key characters noted within the submission that help to eliminate Laughing Gull and other possibilities include: The dark-grey colouration of upperparts, the partial hooded appearance, prominent white eye crescents, size being slightly smaller than Silver Gull, greater extent of white and less black on the primaries, the grey centre to the white tail and the bill length and colour. Much of this material is further backed up by a series of colour photographs. The committee has no hesitation in unanimously accepting this record as a Franklin’s Gull Larus pipixcan. The age of the bird could not be ascertained as there was not quite enough detail on the primary pattern to decide if it was in full alternate (breeding) plumage or 2nd alternate plumage (Grant 1986). Although other records have been reported this is only the 7th Australian record to be accepted by the committee.
References and Bibliography
Tony Palliser |