Laughing Gull (Larus atricilla)

Years ago, when I first saw this bird at the Salton Sea, I identified it as a Laughing Gull, even though they are typically denizens of the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts. Laughing Gulls are on the Fish & Wildlife Service's Salton Sea bird list (occasional in summer) and, according to the Kaufman Focus Guide, rare inland except at the Salton Sea and sometimes on the Great Lakes. 

6/8/02 Salton Sea Recreation Area, Riverside County, CA

 6/8/02 Salton Sea Recreation Area, Riverside County, CA

 6/8/02 Salton Sea Recreation Area, Riverside County, CA

6/8/02 Salton Sea Recreation Area, Riverside County, CA

LIFE LIST NOTES:

COMMON NAME: Laughing Gull

SPECIES: Larus atricilla

LIFE LIST DATE: 6/8/2002

COUNT: 1

LOCATION: Salton Sea State Recreation Area, Riverside County, CA

From Kaufman Focus Guide: Birds of North America:

IDENTIFYING MARKS & BEHAVIOR: Adult has dark gray back fading into mostly black wing tips. Bill and legs dark (often with dark red tinge). Black hoods only in breeding plumage in spring and early summer. 

VOICE: Well-named with laughing call, classic sound of southeast coast.