Herring Gull

Larus argentatus

no photo — written note
photo: Wikimedia Commons
Birds

A big pink-legged gull, commonest on Lake Michigan and large reservoirs in winter.

Field facts
HabitatLake Michigan, reservoirs, landfills
RangeNorthern Indiana; scattered statewide
When to lookOctober to April
StatusLeast Concern (Indiana DNR / IUCN Red List)
Look-alikesRing-billed gull — smaller with yellow legs

Field note: The red bill spot is the target chicks peck to be fed.

Lesson
Watching responsibly

Watch loafing flocks from a distance rather than walking through them.

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