Sighting Record for Utah

Common name:	Western Gull
Scientific name:	Larus Occidentalis
Date:	April 14, 2026
Time:	12:01 pm
Length of time observed:	15 minutes
Number:	3
Age:	Adult
Sex:	Unknown
Location:	Antelope Island State Park Causeway
County:	Davis
Latilong:	41.075525, -112.224676
Elevation:	Unknown
Distance to bird:	Approximately 150 yards
Optical equipment:	Swarovski 10x42 binoculars, Swarovski Spotting Scope, Canon EOS R6 with 100-500 zoom lens
Weather:	52-58F, cloudy and breezy with some haze. The haze made focusing difficult.
Light Conditions:	Hazy conditions with clouds.
Description: Size of bird:	Large
(Description:) Basic Shape:	Gull shaped
(Description:) Overall Pattern:	Gray and white
(Description:) Bill Type:	Large, gull-like
(Description:) Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics:	Three large, stocky, adult gulls were seen on a sandy spit in proximity to the weather station on the Causeway. The three were resting equidistant apart (see photo). The left gull could be seen to have pink legs, dark gray upperparts and round white head (with some markings). Its bill was not visible. The middle gull could be seen to have pink legs, dark gray upperparts and round white head with a peak over its eye. Its bill was yellow, with a bulbous tip and red gonys spot. From the distance the eye appeared darkish. The right gull could be seen to have dark gray upperparts and round white head. Its bill was yellow, with a bulbous tip and red gonys spot (not visible in photos). From the distance the eye appeared darkish. (see photos)
Song or call & method of delivery:	None
Behavior:	All three gulls were just hanging out/resting on the spit with California Gulls. The middle one was preening somewhat. The one on the right was fluffed up as if it had just finished preening. The one on the left appeared to be sleeping.
Habitat:	Beach and exposed sandy areas with surrounding Great Salt Lake.
Similar species and how were they eliminated:	No other species considered. All three appeared large and stocky with dark gray back/upperparts. Pink legs, darkish eyes, and the bulbous-tipped bill was observed. The photographs show the rounded head with a peak over the eye. These are all characteristics of the Western Gull.
Previous experience with this & similar species:	This is my first experience observing the Western Gull in Utah. I have seen and recorded Western Gulls around 42 times in eBird from observations made off-shore in the Pacific and from the shores of California, Oregon and Washington. I've observed Great Black-backed Gulls in Maine and Florida and Lesser Black-backed Gulls in Utah and Florida, and 20 other gull species in the U.S. and around the world.
References consulted:	Klaus Olsen's Gulls of the World, Sibley's Guide to the Birds, 2nd ed.
Description from:	From memory From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting
Observer:	Mary McGreal
Observer's address:	3266 Sunset Hollow Dr, Bountiful, Utah 84010
Observer's e-mail address:	**
Other observers who independently identified this bird:	No other birders were with me at the time.
Date prepared:	May 1, 2026
Additional material:	Photos Record # 2026_17.html shows a Western Gull observed an hour after these three.
Additional comments:	If this record is accepted, the comments and photos would be added to the existing eBird checklist.