Posted by Jeff Weber on September 27, 2002 at 15:13:59:
I photographed the Slaty-backed Gull at Higgs Beach, Key West, at 8:30 this morning, 9/27. It was with a large flock of Laughing Gulls at the water's edge, just west of the old brick-enclosed garden with a sign in front saying "Martello Tower, Joe Allen (something)." Photos were no problem, as it isn't very skittish.
The bird seemed very healthy and happy to be there (no wonder; picture the Bering Sea this time of year). It was actively feeding on dead fish (a hard-shelled trunkfish, no less) and bread thrown by the locals. It seems quite well-adjusted, scrounging through seaweed, floating in the surf, and flying readily. I think it has found a winter home and might stick around for a while. A guy on the beach told me it has been there for at least two weeks, possibly three. All the regulars there noticed it right away because it's so much bigger than the Laughers.
Notable and obvious on the bird are the line through the eye, the very pale yellow iris, and the heavy streaking on the head and upper breast. The legs and feet are darkish red, not pink like a Herring Gull. It has a full mantle, which, though worn, is certainly dark enough for the species.