Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus), Lake Pleasant, Maricopa County

This Lesser Black-backed Gull was photographed by Caleb Strand on 24 September 2020.

This bird was found by Mary McSparen, Tommy DeBardeleben, and Caleb Strand on the Maricopa County portion of Lake Pleasant. The bird flew into Yavapai County where it represented a first county record.

There are eleven accepted records for the state with three others pending. This species is increasing with the first state record occurring in 2006, and nearly annual records in the past five years.

This individual appears to be an adult, whereas most Arizona records are of first- or second-cycle birds. Note the dark gray mantle, pale iris, yellow legs, land large bill. Only other dark mantled gull with yellow feet is Yellow-footed Gull which would be darker mantled, have pure black wings, and a more bulbous-tipped bill.

24 September 2020, photo by Caleb Strand