Herring Gull

Description:

Herring Gulls are large gulls with hefty yellow bills with a small red dot on the lower bill near tip. They have robust bodies. In flight, they look barrel-chested and broad-winged compared to smaller species. Adults have light-gray backs, black wingtips, and white heads and underparts. In winter, dusky streaks mark their heads. Legs and feet are pinkish.

Habitat:

This was the public beach leading to Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary.

Notes:

Approximately 140,000 shorebirds, representing 37 species use Bolivar Flats for both feeding and roosting. The area also serves as a year- round roost for gulls and terns; a feeding area for herons and egrets, a wintering site for the American White Pelican, and a wintering site for several species of waterfowl. The federally endangered species brown pelican and peregrine falcon are other important species using the flats for roosting and feeding. The adjacent salt marsh hosts clapper rails, seaside sparrow, and sharp-tailed sparrow. Black Skimmers and Least terns attempt to nest on the flats every year, but usually are not successful because of vehicular traffic. The huge bird population is largely supported by Bolivar Flats' rich, benthic infauna. Polychaet worms are the most abundant benthic animals. Shorebird use is highest in the winter and in early spring. Dunlin, Western Sandpipers, Short-billed Dowitcher, and American Avocet are the most abundant winter shorebirds. Willets and Wilson's Plovers nest at the site. Willets, Black-bellied Plovers, and Sanderlings occur all year. The area is also one of the most important wintering sites for the threatened Piping Plover.