Heermann's Gulls are migrating along the Mendonoma Coast, right, along with Brown Pelicans. These medium-sized Gulls, when adults, have white heads and gray bodies. Their backs are darker gray. Paul Brewer recently photographed one that stopped on a bluff near Gualala.
Just look at that red bill - used to steal fish from Brown Pelicans. They've actually been seen going into a Pelican's pouch to steal its catch.
Here you can see the three shades of this striking Gull.
These Gulls are rarely found inland. They breed in Mexico and then fly north up to the southern portion of British Columbia. They are found nowhere else in the world.
Thanks to Paul for allowing me to share his photos with you here. To see more of Paul's beautiful photographs, here is his web site: http://www.capturingnatureswonders.com/
Paul's photos will also be featured at the Dolphin in Gualala for the month of August.
To see a photo of a Heermann's Gull trying to steal a fish, here's the link: http://www.mendonomasightings.com/2011/08/08/heermanns-gulls-trying-to-steal-a-brown-pelicans-fish-off-the-mendonoma-coast/