Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus), Arrowhead Lakes in Glendale, AZ Specifically at 59th avenue and Deer Valley Rd., Maricopa County

This Lesser Black-backed Gull was photographed by Joe Neely on 15 December 2013 at Arrowhead Lakes in Glendale Maricopa Co.

Joe writes "After speaking with experts, I believe this is a Lesser Black-backed Gull. I understand this may be a rare species to be seen in these part. It was alone, I watched it for about 2 days."

2 Accepted records for Arizona with 3 pending.

Note especially the white, sparsely barred upper tail coverts that strongly contrast with a blackish tail band. Blackish remiges lacking a strongly paler panel on the inner primaries,

15 December 1901, photo by Joe Neely