Gulls

Gulls

Sunday February 9, 2025

9:00-1:00 pm

Description: Who hasn’t been enchanted by the striking white head and bright red bill of breeding plumage Heerman’s Gull? Who hasn’t been frustrated by the identification challenges of the Larus (large white-headed gulls) genus? The taxonomy of gulls is complex and hotly debated. Through interbreeding, they challenge our foundational concept of a species. In the Monterey area we are graced with a large variety of these large, white-headed gulls in the winter. Western, California, Glaucous-winged, Short-billed, Ring-billed, Iceland, Heermann’s and Herring are all readily found if one looks in the right place. They’re large and usually easily approachable, yet deceivingly similar. For identification, we rely on bill shape, eye and leg color, wing-tip pattern, shade of gray on the back, body structure, and many other clues. Join us to learn a few new ID tips and hone your ID skills of this complex but fascinating group of birds. Sign up early for what is sure to be a popular trip. If demand warrants, we may run a second field trip in the future, focusing on first-winter gulls in flight. 

Meet: 9:00 am at the parking lot at the end of Jetty Road, near Moss Landing, here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/p2nXNCR8a8eQNhFp6 

Trip Logistics: After looking at gulls at Jetty Road, we may go elsewhere in search of more gulls, depending on where they’ve been seen roosting lately. Decisions on where else to go will be at the discretion of the field trip leader. Any walking will be along flat paved or smooth dirt roads. Hard rain cancels.

Facilities:  There is a primitive porta-potty at the Jetty Road parking lot. 

Trip Difficulty: Over the course of the morning, most gulling will be from near the cars or less than a quarter mile away. It may be cold in the morning but will hopefully warm up later on. Any walking will be over flat paved or well-graded dirt roads. Bring sunscreen, hats, water, snacks, and everything you may need for the morning. 

Trip Leader: Blake Matheson, Long-time Monterey Audubon Society Board President and gull aficionado. (Fun fact: Blake received an author’s acknowledgement in the newly published and highly revered Gull Guide North America.) 

Questions and RSVP:  For general questions email info@MontereyAudubon.org To RSVP, contact the trip leader at gypaetusbarbatus1@gmail.com