Franklin’s Gull in Elliston Park

The Franklin’s Gull appears here on the calm waters of Elliston Park, AB. The gull is showing its clean white underparts and gray mantle. Its dark hood is absent in non-breeding plumage and replaced by a dusky mask. The bird floats lightly on the surface and displays a neat tail pattern with bold black and white markings. Its slender bill and buoyant posture help confirm its identification. This gull often visits prairie wetlands during migration and favors open water for feeding and resting.