Because gulls are just such amazing critters, Great Basin Bird Observatory has decided to lean in to this and offer regular gull ID walks this winter! Sparks Marina is the place to be for gulls and gull enthusiasts of northwestern Nevada. Many of these hardy travelers, the birds, that is, visit the Reno area, in the winter months. We should expect to see California Gulls of all ages in many different stages of plumage and wear. If we are lucky, we should see three or four different species. Gulls migrate later than many other bird species, and are rather tolerant of cold temperatures. Some travel from the arctic north, and get here on purpose; others prefer to winter along the food-rich Pacific Coast, and end up here by accident. Some come from northwestern Europe, and aren’t satisfied with icy eastern U.S. conditions, so continue westward. There is even a (small) chance for gulls from Siberia to show up here! We love speculating about the where’s and why’s, but we may never answer those questions, so we just love gulls for their novel behaviors and stunning beauty. And of course the way they can confound identification!

Consider reviewing GBBO’s (Somewhat lengthy) Gull Identification Webinar by Lauren Harter and Ned Bohman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=aF8Tw3n4l2w.

Please RSVP to outreach@gbbo.org if you are interested in attending this walk. We will meet in the parking area at the east end of Nichol’s Dr, on the west shore of the pond.

We will meet at the blue pin