More ID help please (Western US gulls)

[Patty]

I decided to join in on the Big Year this year and am having a heck of a time trying to ID my gulls. Below are my photos (all of which were taken in the Elkhorn Slough/Moss Landing area of California) and best guesses.

 

Herring Gull

 

Ring-billed gull

 

Western Gull, second winter?

 

Am I even close?

[marg]

@@Patty,,,the third photo looks like a Western Gull juvenile. A second year one has more white on the chest and the beak is more yellow....as per my Audubon Guide for California Birds app.

[Patty]

Thanks @@marg! I had thought the juveniles were browner overall like this one.

 

 

The slightly paler head in the third photo was confusing me.

[Atdahl]

@@Patty, that 3rd picture looks like a Sea Otter to me...but I can't tell because it's blocked by some sort of seagull... .

 

Sorry, couldn't help myself....

[Patty]

@@Patty, that 3rd picture looks like a Sea Otter to me...but I can't tell because it's blocked by some sort of seagull... .