Sabine's Gull (Xema sabini), Kennedy Park Lake, Tucson, Pima County

John Higgins discovered this immature Sabine's Gull on the south shore of the lake in Kennedy Park in SW Tucson on the evening of 23 September 2008.  It was photographed by James Hays on 24 September 2008

Normally rare and irregular fall migrants throughout the state, Sabine's Gulls are staging quite an influx into Arizona this year with reports from many locations.  There are now well over 20 reports for fall 2008 perhaps making this a record year for this species in Arizona. 

24 September 2008, photo by James Hays

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