Dark and elusive

#48 - BlipBigYear 2014

Heermann's Gull, Larus heermanni, along the Eureka waterfront. Among the gulls of North America, this is the only species that is all dark throughout its life. As a breeding adult it takes on a snowy white head and bright red bill, making it quite a striking gull. The one's plumage indicates that it is a second-cycle bird, meaning that it is in its 2nd year of life. Typically this species isn't found in northern California this time of year, but a couple may pop up here and there. This one has been sticking around all winter in a certain known parking lot; I finally laid my eyes on it this afternoon.