I feel fairly confident that "Thing 2" is an "American" Herring Gull.  The very
light looking back contrasting with very dark looking primaries is a pretty good
starting point for sorting out Herring and Thayer's from Westerns and Glaucous-
wings (and stuff in between).  The fine barring on the wing coverts and the barring
on the undertail coverts are both good indicators that it's a Herring Gull.  I'm
conflicted on the age class, however, but lean toward pale-end 2nd winter because
of the extensive barring in the coverts, darkness of the tail and lack of any
obvious pale in the eye.

"Thing 1" is the mystery.  I thought I was taking pictures of another Herring
in the field, but in comparing it with "Thing 2" it comes up wanting.  It's probably
some kind of hybrid, but it doesn't really match my expectations for a Western/
Glaucous-wing cross.  Then again, perhaps it is a Herring Gull.  I don't know
and stand ready to be educated...

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From Phill Pickering - 3/9/2008

Thing 2 does not appear to be a pure Herring as they normally
do not at any age show such obvious pale fringing to the primary
tips or an immature tail color so obviously paler than the primaries.
It appears to be the type of Thayer's-like but larger hybrid most
who study gulls presume are Herring x Glaucous-winged.

I think the mantle of Thing 1 appears low contrast/dark
enough to feel reasonably safe calling it a Western x G-w.

Phil

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