[All photographs copyright, Gary Nunn 2013] – I first spotted this Laughing Gull Leucophaeus atricilla from quite a distance away standing by itself in the San Diego River flood control channel due south of Seaworld, San Diego. I quickly skirted around the bird and crossed W Mission Bay Drive Bridge, to get a better look. But after a couple photographs it vanished into thin air when a Red-tailed Hawk spooked the nearby Caspian Tern flock. A little while later I spotted it circling at high elevation with a flock of California Gulls. Then it dropped quickly into the east end of the channel, where I followed after it in vain, just when I ran over there the gulls flushed again! I finally found it back where it began, near the bridge, where I obtained some nice photographs of it standing in shallow water on the mudflat – quite the runaround!
Laughing Gull – San Diego River flood control channel, 30 March 2013
Laughing Gull – San Diego River flood control channel, 30 March 2013
Laughing Gull – San Diego River flood control channel, 30 March 2013
Laughing Gull – San Diego River flood control channel, 30 March 2013
It appears to be a first summer individual with a black tail and faded primaries and greater coverts on the upperwing. There is just a small dark coloration showing on the head, not really hooded at all, which extends mostly back from the eye joining at the rear crown. The bill is dark and heavy, typical for this species. The legs are also dark and long, giving the bird an overall tall, long-winged, and skinny appearance when seen standing. In flight the long wings and very buoyant flight are also characteristic. In addition to the size and structural features, the grey wash on the chest sides separates this species from Franklin’s Gull which is boldly white in these areas.
Laughing Gull – San Diego River flood control channel, 30 March 2013
Laughing Gull – San Diego River flood control channel, 30 March 2013
Laughing Gull – San Diego River flood control channel, 30 March 2013
In spite of seasonally large numbers to our east, at the Salton Sea, the Laughing Gull is very rare in San Diego County found here only once or twice per year. Long staying individuals have occurred in the past along the San Diego River flood control channel and in Mission Bay. So hopefully this bird will stick around for a while for more people to enjoy!