Yesterday and today I watched and photographed a black headed gull at DeWeese Reservoir which I am about 90% certain was a breeding plumage Laughing Gull. I was 100% certain until I read K. Kaufman's caution that some first summer Franklin's Gulls can resemble an adult Laughing Gull.
The wing pattern of my gull was typical for a Laughing Gull. The upper wing had a gray mantle with white trailing edge and all black tips on the primaries. The under wing was white with black on the primaries. The head was solid black; no indication of being a partial hood. The bill and head shape look close to the Laughing Gulls pictured in various field guides.
I have good photos both profile and flying if someone would like to look at them and offer an opinion. The photos aren't posted anywhere; I would have to e-mail them.
A pleasant surprise on the return home was the many dozens Lark Buntings in the fields north of Wetmore. I haven't seen them here in these numbers for several years.
Rich Miller
Canon City
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