ThayerÕs Gull
Larus thayeri
ThayerÕs Gulls can be found in small numbers in the spring
and fall in Marquette. First cycle birds are most common; during their peak
numbers IÕd estimate that a diligent birder can find one first cycle ThayerÕs
Gull for every few hundred Herring Gulls. Adult ThayerÕs Gulls are less common,
but theyÕre around; IÕd estimate their frequency in Marquette (again, during their
peak numbers) at one for every thousand Herring Gulls. Second cycle ThayerÕs
Gulls are hard to find; I probably see one or two every year. And third cycle
ThayerÕs Gulls are rarer still; you can go years without seeing one in
Marquette. On the other hand, ThayerÕs Gull is regular here each fall and
spring, and is seen with much greater frequency than previously was thought possible.
Finally, I note that identification of ThayerÕs Gull can be tricky, so perhaps
many birds are passed over unrecognized.