Bonaparte's Gull (Larus philadelphia)

Common in winter in the piedmont and along the coast in NC, Bonaparte's Gulls are fairly small and show a distinct white wedge in the upper wing as adults.
Bonaparte's Gull (Larus philadelphia) Bonaparte's Gull (Larus philadelphia)
Off Cape Hatteras, Dare Co., NC
5 March 2006

Many species of seabirds are often found where the cooler "green water" (upper 50s) meets the warmer "blue water" (low 70s) of the Gulf Stream off Cape Hatteras in North Carolina. Note the color of the water in this photo is real, with the Gulf Stream blue water in the foreground and the cooler green water toward the background.

Flocks of Bonaparte's Gulls such as this one often contain a Little Gull or two. Unfortunately, none was found in this flock.


Bonaparte's Gull (Larus philadelphia) Bonaparte's Gull (Larus philadelphia)
Fort Fisher, New Hanover Co., NC
24 Jan 2014

Looking stormy! Digiscoped with an iPhone.


Bonaparte's Gull (Larus philadelphia)

Adult winter Bonaparte's Gull

Cape Hatteras, Dare Co., NC
18 Jan 2005


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Created on ... March 7, 2006 | jeffpippen9@gmail.com