Adult Herring Gull walking on a shelf of ice
Adult American Herring Gull walking on a shelf of ice – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/3200, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Today I am sharing two winter adult American Herring Gull photos that I took earlier this month from the auto tour route at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge. It was a bright, chilly morning and I was thrilled to see and photograph these large gulls. I only see this gull species here in northern Utah during the coldest months of the year and I consider them a treat.
There were gulls, herons, eagles and ducks on the shelf of ice next to open water where the birds could all find prey.
By pulling onto the shoulder of the auto tour route I was able to relax, observe, photograph and enjoy the birds in front of me without blocking the road. Sunshine kept me warm as I relaxed and photographed all of the birds including the American Herring Gulls.
The months of January and February are terrific for seeing American Herring Gulls of all ages in northern Utah.
Alert adult American Herring Gull in winter – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/4000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
These adult American Herring Gulls were wonderful subjects on that chilly morning in early January. I am a long-time gull lover and enthusiast who will happily sit with them for long periods of time to get the images I want of them even when the temps are bitter cold.
When the clouds that have made this past week dreary have finally cleared out I plan on getting back out into the field where I can have more American Herring Gulls in my viewfinder.
Life is good.
Mia
To view more of my American Herring Gull photos plus facts and information about this species click here.
Thank you for those beauties. And for the cooling images.
I think other gulls have pink feet but that sure stands out. The markings on the neck and the eyes, too, Interesting gull.
Those pink legs and light eye make them a striking bird.