Speaking of changing looks when it's time to breed, here's an example of nature's makeup...
Ring Billed Gull, year 1: Pink beak and legs, brownish eye.
After another year, they get the classic gull look: grey back, white body. The bottom gull is, I think, younger or at least more pathetic than the one above. Its legs and bill are a duller yellow than the one on top. Note that the one on top has a slightly streaky, mottled head. It's not quite in breeding shape yet. I noticed that the tip of the beak on both of these birds isn't a "ring" but a solid tip, so I'll make a guess that both of them are second years and not quite mature. (Gosh, do NOT tell me I'm going to have to buy one of those special guides to the 1001 indistinguishable looks of one kind of gull.)
Now this dude or lady is getting there. The head looks all clean and smooth, the bill is properly ringy.
Finally, check out fatty mcPiggerson here: See the red eyering and mouth? I guess it's kind of like having a face boner.
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