Thayer's Gull

The Thayer's Gull (Larus thayeri) is an uncommon species that breeds in the high Arctic during the summer and winters along the West Coast, with a small Great Lakes winter population.
One typical West Coast winter birding sport is attempting to differentiate the Thayer's Gull from similar looking species, especially the Herring Gull.
Often, but not always, Thayer's can be identified by its brown eyes and comparatively more delicate looking bill. The bottom picture shows a close up of the Thayer's head to be used in comparison with the Herring Gull page.