Can You Spot a Sabine's Gull?
Migrating through Monterey waters each spring and fall, Sabine’s Gulls (Xema sabini) are a prized sighting by many local birders. Identified by their distinctive wing pattern of black, gray, and white triangles, Sabine’s Gulls are striking seabirds. They nest on the Arctic tundra, and our Pacific birds winter in coastal upwelling zones offshore in southern Mexico, Central America, and much of South America. Sabine’s Gulls were first identified in 1818 in Melville Bay, Greenland by Sir Edward Sabine during Sir John Ross’s first Arctic expedition to find the Northwest Passage. Spending their summers nesting in the Arctic tundra, these gulls fill their days catching insects in the freshwater pools of the Arctic marshes.
Sabine's Gull flying over and fishing at Roberts Lake, Seaside by Mark Chappell
Commonly spotted in season on pelagic trips, they are rarely seen from shore. For Monterey birders, excitement spread last week when one was picked out from the Point Pinos Seawatch. So when Michele Fialer spotted two juveniles at Laguna Grande Park on September 25th, local birders were pleased to enjoy great views. The birds quickly relocated to Roberts Lake, where viewing paired well with In-N-Out milkshakes and fries. (“The use of food bribes for maintaining the goodwill of kids and teens is a vital technique that I have been honing for years.”, Bill Hubick). Another bird was also seen at Roberts Lake again on September 28th.
So whether you are a veteran birder or new to the birding community, keep your eye out for these captivating gulls.
Explore Monterey Audubon Society’s programs:
A Look at Condor Recovery in Central California on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, 6:00 PM
Seawatch at Point Pinos, Wednesdays 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Birders Night Market at the Festival of Birds on Saturday, October 10, 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Check out the Monterey Audubon Events tab for more programs.
Photos courtesy of Mark Chappell.
Resources:
All About Birds: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Sabines_Gull
Article by Bill Hubick & Noemi Cerritos Gatto
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