[Mnbird] McLeod Lesser Black-backed Gull

[Hoeger-Lerdal]

One adult breeding plumage Lesser Black-backed Gull mingling with 100+ Ring-billed Gulls and a handful of Herring Gulls
on Otter Lake (Crow River) along MN Hwy. 7 just west of Hutchinson, seen this evening (03/30/15) between about 4:45 and 5:45 pm., preening and loafing
on the (quickly receding) ice shelf in the middle of the lake; along with Bernice and Earl Hall, Ken Ellstrom, and Kristine Leuze.
Black mantle contrasted well with grayer mantle of nearby Ring-bills, and was also slightly larger.
The whole group eventually flew off to the north.
Also, Comm. Goldeneyes, Comm. Mergansers, Bufflehead, and flyover Cooper's Hawk.
I will look again in the morning and post any updates.

Pete Hoeger, Hutchinson