IORC Record 1992-018

Form: Common/Short-billed Gull
County: Cook
Location: Burnham Harbor, Chicago
Date(s): 15 January to 20 February 1992
Number of birds: at least one, perhaps as many as three
Remarks:

  • Originally accepted as pertaining to Mew Gull (Larus canus) and hence after split of Mew Gull (Larus canus) will be referenced as Common/Short-billed Gull (Larus canus/brachyrhynchus) until adjudication at the specific level.
  • Two first circulations were conducted (one in 1995 and one in 1997), but the vote tally was the same in each instance.
  • The 4th IORC report cites this record as pertaining to an individual photographed by Robert Hughes at Burnham Harbor, Chicago on 20 February 1992, referencing a photograph in Meadowlark 1:3:110.
  • The documentation submitted by Robert Hughes pertains to two birds seen 15 January 1992, one at Montrose Harbor and one at Diversey Harbor in Chicago, with a photograph labeled to 15 January 1992.
  • The entry for Mew Gull in the winter 1991/1992 report in Meadowlark 1:3:111 cites observations by Robert Hughes, all in Chicago, of one at Diversey Harbor 15 Dec 1991 (noted as documented by Robert Hughes), one at Montrose Harbor and one at Diversey Harbor on 16 Jan 1992 (noted as photographed by Robert Hughes; referencing the 15 Jan 1992 photo included here, note that the 16 Jan date is in error), and one at Burnham Harbor 20 Feb 1992 (noted as photographed, with that photograph published with the report). The seasonal report entry also notes, "Possibly four different birds." See also the brief note in Meadowlark 1:3:103 authored by Robert Hughes that references these four sightings (with the correct 16 Jan 1992 for the second and third sightings), with the remark that the "second and fourth" individuals were photographed.

Additional material:

  1. Votes and comments from the 1st Circulation (completed during 12 March to 5 April 1995)
  2. Votes and comments from the 1st Circulation (completed during 3-19 January 1997)

Documentation submitted:

  1. Documentation #1 by Robert D. Hughes

Photographs submitted: two by Robert D. Hughes

Photo #1 by Robert D. Hughes on 15 January 1992 at Montrose Harbor, Chicago (reduced size image; click on photo to access full resolution version; original photograph and also tif scan of original are available in the IORC archives)

 

Photo #2 by Robert D. Hughes on 20 February 1992 at Burnham Harbor, Chicago, from Meadowlark 1:3:110 (reduced size image; click on photo to access full resolution version)

 

 

This page was last updated on 13 August 2022