California Gull
Larus californicus

24 December 2004
East Beach, Galveston, Galveston County, Texas, USA
Canon EOS 10D, 100-400mm IS lens, 1.4X extender.

Despite freezing temperatures my dad and I decided to do a little birding on Christmas Eve. The winds were ferocious on the exposed beach and most gulls were hunkered down. A light sleet fell the whole time, only letting up for a few moments here and there. Among the 80+ Herring Gulls present I spotted this fellow, standing on the left in the first few shots. Its slightly smaller size, darker mantle, more extensive hood, yellow-green legs, dark eye and black spot on the bill all suggested California Gull. When it flew I was able to see the extensive contrasting black on the outer primaries.

All images are copyrighted by Chris Merkord, all rights reserved