LEARN 100 COMMON VALLEY BIRDS – Blog Post Species #54
Few things on earth fill us with as much delight as birds, and knowing them by name only adds to our pleasure. In California’s Central Valley, with only a little bit of effort, anyone can learn 100 local bird species. Especially since on a daily basis Valley Residents come in contact with at least a dozen species that most recognize, but may not know the name of. The intent of this blog is for followers to learn about and be able to identify 100 common valley birds.
Learn 100 Common Valley Birds is a Reflections of the Natural World Blog Post Series by Jim Gain
Herring Gull adults are white with a gray back and wings, black wingtips with white spots, and pink legs. Young birds take four years to reach fully adult plumage. During this time they go through several plumage stages and can be very variable in appearance.
Along with the other two gulls featured in the previous two posts, the Herring Gull can frequently be found around schools and shopping centers looking for an easy meal from the generally sloppy humans.
The taxonomy of the herring gull group is very complicated and much is still controversial and uncertain. It is widely accepted however, that this global species should be split into three separate species; the American Herring Gull, the European Herring Gull and the Vega Gull.
Reflections of the Natural World 