In late July at Qinggegda Lake, Xinjiang we had 2240 Caspian Gull Larus cachinnans. This was by far our highest count, though we recorded the gull in lower numbers at various other reservoirs and lakes in the Jungar Basin. I had this individual at Aweitan Reservoir in early May. Larus cachinnans is the default Herring-type gull in Xinjiang. It is characterized by its small, pear-shaped head, beady eye set high on the forehead, and long, yellowish legs. (Craig Brelsford)
