First winter American Herring Gull on ice, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, UtahFirst winter American Herring Gull on ice – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/4000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

I recently wrote about my excitement that American Herring Gulls have started showing up in northern Utah. Last week I was able to photograph some of them. Today I wanted to share a few images of first winter American Herring Gulls.

These young American Herring Gulls hatched during the breeding season of 2020 and have migrated a long way to presumably overwinter here on the marshes of Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge. If food sources or weather conditions change they may move on. For now however; I will enjoy these large gulls when ever I can.

First winter American Herring Gull walking on ice, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, UtahFirst winter American Herring Gull walking on ice – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

American Herring Gulls and other large gulls can take several years to acquire their adult plumage. Much like Bald Eagles they go through several plumage phases and molts.

Usually large gulls take four years to acquire their adult plumage. Those four years can be divided into four plumage cycles.

Plumage Cycles:

  • First cycle = fledging to first birthday,
  • Second cycle = from first birthday to second birthday,
  • Third cycle = from second birthday to third birthday,
  • Fourth cycle = from third birthday to fourth birthday.

All three American Herring Gulls in my photos are first cycle gulls that can also be called young or immature.

First cycle American Herring Gull on ice, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, Utah

First cycle Herring Gull on ice – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/3200, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

David Sibley who is the author of “The Sibley Guide To Birds” uses a more seasonal approach to aging large gulls.  Using his seasonal approach these immature American Herring Gulls would be considered first winter gulls and that is typically what I would call them.

Whether I label these American Herring Gulls young, immature, in their Formative Plumage, first cycle, or first winter gulls what I hope really comes through when I write about and share my images of them is my love for gulls. Perhaps I can even inspire other people to take a closer look at gulls where ever they are seen or entice a gull hater into being more curious about gulls.

Gulls are fascinating birds.

There will be more American Herring Gulls landing on my pages soon.

Life is good.

Mia

To view more of my American Herring Gull photos plus facts and information about this species click here.