Sabine's Gull (Xema sabini), Glendale Recharge Ponds, Maricopa County

This immature Sabine's Gull was found by Harold Bond on the morning of 06 October 2009 at the Glendale Recharge Ponds in the southwestern most pond.  It was photographed later that day by Tommy DeBardeleben and by Harold on 7 October 2009.

Sabine's gull is a casual spring and rare and irregular fall migrant through the state. Most records are of immatures.  Although fall 2008 saw a major flight of this species in Arizona, this is only the second documented report for this fall. 

Distinctive upperwing pattern, small size, brownish color

07 October 2009, photo by Harold Bond

06 October 2009, photos by Tommy DeBardeleben

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