11 replies to this topic

[neef]

I'm curious about the Gull mostly. Can anyone ID it? I assume all the cormorants are Double-Crested, correct? I know nothing about west coast birds, but I do know I'd love to go back someday and learn!

(notice the Harbor Seal on the left, by the way...)

[MWM]

Hard to tell on the gull (Western maybe?), I'm not sure on theDC Cormorants either, could be Brandt's or Pelagic. Here's an old pic of Monterey Bay, even has a harbor seal - thinking Brandt's, but not sure if the back 2 might be Pelagic?

[neef]

Cool pic. Must be circa late 90s like mine!

Are Double-Crested even present in Monterey? Here's an unaltered version of my photo if it helps. I'd love to say I saw a west coast cormorant or gull even if it was before I was actively interested in birds:

[blackburnian]

You have another seal at the bottom left too

[blackburnian]

you probably already knew that though

[Indybirder]

It looks like you have both Pelagic and Brandt's Cormorants. I'm sure Double-crested was in the area too, but they are often outnumbered by the other species along the coast.

[neef]

I'm glad I got around to posting this pic, thanks.

Can you point out an example from each species in the photo? If not, no problem as I know the pic is pretty bad.

[notactuallytom]

I think in the big pic it's two brandt's on the left (pale cheek) and two pelagic on the right (Thin beak, body is shinier overall).

[psweet]

Just a quick seal note -- the one on the left looks like a California Sea Lion.

[guy_incognito]

Agree that it is hard to tell on the gull. Given the sheer number up there, and the fact that the mantle looks fairly dark, I think Western Gull is the safe bet. What time of year was this taken?

Also agree that the close-up pic shows to Brandt's on the left, and two Pelagic on the right. DC are in the area, but actually out on the shore you are far more likely to find Brandt's and Pelagic.

[neef]

Thanks for the help everyone. The closeup pic isn't mine, however. There's no way to tell which cormorants are in the far away shots is there? That's just to get my records straight.

The pic was taken in August if that helps.

[MWM]

Sorry about the confusion, I'm the one that posted the "blown up" pic - thought it was interesting that 2 east coaster's would have pics of the same area (both around 1990?) before either of us were "birders". Thanks for ID'ing the Pelagic & Brandt's though, had it listed as Brandt's only until I reviewed this pic (lifer #385!).

Also agree with sea lion on far left of 1st pic, with 2 harbor seals (they blend in very well!)