Herring Gull (Larus argentatus), Rotary Park in Lake Havasu City, Mohave County

This Herring Gull was photographed by Chris McCreedy on 08 April 2011 where this species has been reported off and on throughout the winter.

Rare, but probably annual, in the lower Colorado River Valley.  Casual to accidental in the rest of the state. 

3rd cycle bird here. Pale iris, pink legs. Large gull with extensive brown mottling over face, head and down into upper breast. Large beak, black tip. Ring-billed Gull on left for size reference.  The other likely large gull, California, would have a dark iris at this age.

08 April 2011, photo by Chris McCreedy

All photos are copyrighted© by photographer