Heerman's Gull

Description:

Striking white headed gull with with bright red bill, black legs, grey body and darker wing, the Heerman's gull breeds on islands off of the Baja peninsula, primarily isla Raza. Occasionally breeding in California as well. Rarely found N of Monterey, California they wander up the coast during the non breeding season Last photo shows the mixed flock they were with. The all dark bird is a juvenile

Habitat:

Ocean Beach, near the pier.

Notes:

A delightful lifer for me. Despite having lived for many years in the area, I never saw these birds. They were still in breeding plumage