Glaucous Gull

Larus hyperboreus

Glaucous Gull is not uncommon in Marquette from mid-Octovber through April. First-cycle birds are far-and-away the most common plumage. Diligent searching will usually produce at least one first-cycle bird on most days; I’ve found as many as 15 first-cycle birds on a single day. Adults are the next most common plumage cycle for this gull, but are found with far less frequency than are first-cycle birds—no more than a few each season. Second-cycle birds are found with nearly the same frequency as are adult birds. Third cycle birds are quite rare.

First-cycle gulls.

Second-cycle gulls.

Thirst-cycle gulls (no photos).

Adult gulls.