Lake Henshaw – pristine looking Heermann’s Gull

[All photographs copyright, Gary Nunn 2014] – Late in the afternoon 11 April 2014 I rented a small boat from the Lake Henshaw Resort and set off, with my brother accompanying me, on a “pelagic” tour around the lake. The wind had picked up to a strong breeze, on-and-off, which made for a few waves as we puttered around in the small boat. Overall there were not too many birds present on the lake but we were treated to a spectacular Bald Eagle show with three immatures and two adults seen, including some very close overhead passes by the young eagles. Best find of the trip was a lone adult Heermann’s Gull, in pristine alternate plumage, bobbing around square in the middle of the lake. Heermann’s Gull is unusual anywhere away from the coast in San Diego County. This species mostly exits Southern California in spring heading for its Gulf of California nesting grounds in Mexico. Post breeding wanderers, presumably heading cross-country from the gulf across the county, have been found at inland lakes, including Lake Henshaw, in late summer. It would seem that a springtime wanderer here is more unusual still with none reported found inland in April based on information from the San Diego County Bird Atlas (Unitt 2004).

Heermann's Gull - Lake Henshaw, San Diego County, California 11 April 2014

Heermann’s Gull – Lake Henshaw, San Diego County, California 11 April 2014

Heermann's Gull – Lake Henshaw, San Diego County, California 11 April 2014

Heermann’s Gull – Lake Henshaw, San Diego County, California 11 April 2014

Bald Eagle immature - Lake Henshaw, San Diego County, California 11 April 2014

Bald Eagle immature – Lake Henshaw, San Diego County, California 11 April 2014

Bald Eagle immature - Lake Henshaw, San Diego County, California 11 April 2014

Bald Eagle immature – Lake Henshaw, San Diego County, California 11 April 2014

Bald Eagle adult – Lake Henshaw, San Diego County, California 11 April 2014

Bald Eagle adult – Lake Henshaw, San Diego County, California 11 April 2014

Bonaparte's Gull – Lake Henshaw, San Diego County, California 11 April 2014

Bonaparte’s Gull – Lake Henshaw, San Diego County, California 11 April 2014

Bonaparte's Gull – Lake Henshaw, San Diego County, California 11 April 2014

Bonaparte’s Gull – Lake Henshaw, San Diego County, California 11 April 2014

Clark's Grebe – Lake Henshaw, San Diego County, California 11 April 2014

Clark’s Grebe – Lake Henshaw, San Diego County, California 11 April 2014

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