Ring-billed Gulls Migrating Past South Lookout

Did you know that gulls migrate? Though Hawk Mountain is located a couple hundred miles from the Jersey Shore, large flocks of Ring-billed Gulls (Larus delawarensis) have been pushing past the Sanctuary in recent weeks.

Named for the distinctive black band that wraps their yellow bill, ring-billed gulls typically overwinter in the southern U.S. into Mexico, then migrate into the northern U.S. and Canada for the breeding season. Many migrate along the coast and other bodies of water, such as lakes or rivers, but they can also be observed in urban and agricultural areas. A true generalist, the ringed-billed gull’s diet can range from aquatic invertebrates and fish to rodents and even garbage. They often take advantage of fresh plowed farm fields, eating the exposed earthworms and other invertebrates.

Photo by Bill Moses, taken at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, North Lookout.