A gull and a loon

Today Ray and I walked along the South Saskatchewan River in Saskatoon looking for a Red-throated Loon.  And we found it.

It has a beautiful red spot on its throat which I saw but wasn't quick enough with the camera.  Right after I took this photo the loon dived under the water.  We glimpsed it again about half an hour later but I didn't have another photo opportunity.

We did find a more cooperative bird, however, in this gull. 

I find the hardest birds to identify are small sandpipers and hawks, but gulls are not far behind.  After studying bird guides extensively I've decided this is our most common gull, the Ring-billed, but it is a first year bird, just entering his first winter. I based this on its black bill with pink at the base, its mottled brown and white plumage, and the grey feathers just beginning on its back.  While disappointed that it was not something new and exotic, it is still satisfying to give this guy a name.

It was really cold for October 2 but still beautiful, and the walk was great.