Heermann's Gull (Larus heermanni), Glendale Recharge Ponds, Maricopa County

This Heermann's Gull was discovered and photographed by Steve Hosmer on 28 October 2013.

Heermann's Gull is a casual visitor to Arizona from the Gulf of California and occurs nearly year round, but most records from late fall. Although there are more than 40 records of Heermann's Gull in Arizona, they are notorious for being one-day wonders.

This beautiful species is unmistakable. It is either a 3rd year or adult in nonbreeding plumage. Diagnostic features include the dark gray mantle and wings, ligher gray head, neck and breast, bright red bill with a black tip.

28 October 2013, photo by Steve Hosmer

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