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first cycle California Gull
	Fig 1) A very typical bird; note the faded brown juvenile coverts and the interesting 3-tone pattern on the moulted scapulars. October 25, 1998. Santa Barbara, Calfornia. Photo courtesy of Don DesJardin.	Fig 2) Same bird at Fig 1. In flight, note the nearly solid tail and only faint pale window on the inner primaries.

Fig 3) This bird has a bit of a different look, but already has faded coverts and moulted scapulars. October 30, 1998. Santa Barbara, Calfornia. Photo courtesy of Don DesJardin.

Fig 4) This bird has begun to moult into adult gray on the lower scapulars. Note the retained faded brown juvenile coverts. March 23, 2011. Clearlake, Calfornia. Photo courtesy of Steve Hampton.

Fig 5) As in Fig 2, note the nearly solid tail and only faint pale window on the inner primaries. March 23, 2011. Clearlake, Calfornia. Photo courtesy of Steve Hampton.

Fig 7) March 23, 2011. Clearlake, Calfornia. Photo courtesy of Steve Hampton.

Fig 8) This paler bird has acquired quite a few adult gray scapulars. March 23, 2011. Clearlake, Calfornia. Photo courtesy of Steve Hampton.

Figs 9 and 10) These are early juveniles with all-black bills. They can be confusing, recalling Lesser Black-backed Gull. They show up on West Coast beaches in late July through early September. By then, their bills should be turning pale at the base. Fig 4 is Quiz Gull #1. A full discussion can be seen here. Photos courtesy of Don DesJardin.