Three years ago today, I drove the auto tour loop at Bear River MBR alone. One of the birds I photographed that winter morning was this close-up adult American Herring Gull in flight.
Winter American Herring Gull in flight close up – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I get excited in the winter in northern Utah because during this time period, I get to see and photograph gulls that are not here year-round. Gulls are birds that some people love to hate, and they are birds that some bird photographers will pass by nearly every time they see them.
I’m not one of those people or photographers; I never have been, and I never will be. For me, gulls are every bit as much fun and fascinating to see and photograph as raptors, owls, hummingbirds, shorebirds, waders, or colorful little warblers.
Close up Golden Eagle in flight – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 500, +1.0 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR, natural light, not baited
I’m pretty much unbiased when it comes to birds in my viewfinder; I love them all. I will and do photograph them all.
To my eyes, the American Herring Gull in the photo above is every bit as gorgeous as this close up of a Golden Eagle I found and photographed in February of 2020. Your opinion may vary.
Mine won’t.
American Herring Gulls
American Herring Gulls are only in Utah during the coldest months of the year, which means that right now should be a great time to find them out in the wetlands of Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge.
This species is also often found in the marshes and wetlands of Farmington Bay WMA, or at least they used to be easy to find there.
The rampant changes that are happening at Farmington Bay and Bear River MBR might affect the visits of this species at those locations.
I’m hoping that within the next few weeks I’ll have American Herring Gulls in my viewfinder again in northern Utah.
I used to see and photograph American Herring Gulls during the winter in Florida when I lived there and I enjoyed them there. I know that I’d photograph these gulls anywhere I can find them.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my American Herring Gulls photos plus facts and information about this species.
I love both pics. I do have to say, however, the Golden Eagle presents a powerful image. Thanks Mia.
pretty cool!
Beautiful images. I like all birds but tend to be drawn to borbs and floofs. Jon frequently asks what is my favorite bird, I can’t say, it tends to be ones who I have gotten to know as individuals. Baby floofs seem to steal my heart most often.
I am with you. I love birds including the ‘common ones’.
I love gulls!
So nice to see the Herring Gull and Golden Eagle. They don’t get enough attention from photographers, in general.-Jeri S.