Franklin’s Gull Flying In A Smoky Sky

Adult Franklin’s Gull flying in a smoky sky – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/3200, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

I have a soft spot for gulls so when I had the opportunity two days ago to photograph this Franklin’s Gull flying in a smoky sky I was both excited and thrilled. I adore the soft calls of individual Franklin’s Gulls and relish hearing them in flocks of larger numbers. Franklin’s Gulls have a distinctive buoyant flight that I can make out even from a long distance.

Although I do wish that the sky hadn’t been smoky when I photographed this individual I very much appreciated that the gull made an appearance on my first trip to Farmington Bay WMA after the gates were opened back up.

Late summer Franklin’s Gull in flight – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/3200, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Not everyone loves gulls even though they are beautiful, interesting, and at times they can be quite confiding. Sometimes they will allow close approaches which is great for bird photographers. On the wing I believe that they are as graceful as any raptor.

Franklin’s Gull flying over Farmington Bay WMA – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/3200, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Franklin’s Gulls were first named Franklin’s Rosy Gulls by Sir John Richardson after the Arctic explorer Sir John Franklin, who led an 1823 expedition in which the first specimen of Franklin’s Gull was taken. That name was used for nearly 90 years.

I hope that one day soon this species will have a name that describes them instead of an honorific name. Marsh or Prairie Gull would work because at least that describes the habitats they are found in during their breeding season. Rosy Gull might actually be better name.

Franklin’s Gull showing a pink cast on its breast – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/3200, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Why Rosy Gull? In the spring and sometimes during the other seasons Franklin’s Gulls have a pink cast or hue to their breasts. The Franklin’s Gull I photographed two days ago had a hint of a pale blush of pink to its breast.

Whatever their common name is or will be in the future I know that I will always enjoy having them in my viewfinder or watching them fly by with just my eyes. I hope to photograph a few more Franklin’s Gulls before they take wing for South America for the winter.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Franklin’s Gull photos plus facts and information about this species.