Juvenile Franklin's Gull on the wingJuvenile Franklin’s Gull on the wing – Nikon D500, f6.3, 1/2500, ISO 400, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Franklin’s Gulls are only here in northern Utah during the breeding season, during the winter they spend their time along the west coast of South America. From all indications the majority of the Franklin’s Gull here in Utah have already migrated because in the past week I have only seen one of them along the causeway to Antelope Island State Park and I have seen none of them at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge.

First Summer Franklin's GullFirst Summer Franklin’s Gull – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

I miss Franklin’s Gulls when they are gone. I miss seeing them feeding on brine flies along the shoreline of the Great Salt Lake. I miss seeing them flying over the marshes in huge flocks. I miss seeing them splashing down onto the waters of the marshes to chase another gull away. And I miss watching them flying over the sagebrush hills near the Promontory Mountains  hawking insects from the air.

Adult nonbreeding Franklin's Gull with a fishAdult nonbreeding Franklin’s Gull with a fish – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/4000, ISO 400, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

I miss seeing them catching fish in freshwater lakes, marshes and ponds. And I miss their calls which for some odd reason I find soothing and delightful.

Calling Franklin’s Gulls.

Franklin’s Gulls and the other gulls I see are truly appealing to me and I make no excuses about about my feelings for them. They are just as fascinating to me as an eagle, warbler, falcon, a hummingbird or any bird at all.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Franklin’s Gull photos plus facts and information about this species.