Gull identification has consistently been a problem for most birders due to the complexity of plumage variations by age, and because there hasn’t been a book that brings the ID process down to the level of the average birder. The recent book “Gulls Simplified: A Comparative Approach to Identification” by Pete Dunne and Kevin Karlson (2019, Princeton University Press) has solved this dilemma, and provides a great foundation for gull ID that all birders can understand and follow.

This comprehensive workshop by Kevin Karlson, author of Gulls Simplified, shares a simpler approach to Gull ID in an interactive format and provides many illustrative photos and identification tips. Kevin concentrates on the unchangeable features of size, body shape and structural features of gulls to provide a strong foundation for your ID, and then shares some important plumage details to reach a more complete ID conclusion.

A key to success in this workshop is the comparative approach where similar gull species are shown in direct comparison, either in real life or digitized photos. A similar approach was used in Kevin’s bestselling book “The Shorebird Guide” and the recent 4-part shorebird webinar.

Come join Kevin and remove the apprehension you have with gull ID. We will not be concentrating on intricate feather details or using complicated ornithological terms, but instead relying on easy to understand terms used in all field guides. However, you will not be disappointed in the depth of knowledge provided, and your gull ID skills will definitely improve greatly if you take this workshop. Kevin will also be sharing a number of personal ID tips that are not included in his book.