The gull spectacle at Daytona Beach Shores in Volusia County, Florida, is talked about across the country and especially here at the Space Coast Birding Festival. Drew and I have seen reports of Thayer’s, Iceland, and Glaucous Gulls in the area, so we decided to check it out. We arrived on sight around 4:30, drove onto the beach, and saw the jaw-dropping gull show immediately. It was overwhelming, the sheer number of gulls, likely in the tens of thousands. Most of the birds were Laughing Gulls, with a good mix of Herring and Ring-billed scattered throughout. Occasionally, we would pick out a Lesser or Greater Black-backed Gull. We also had brief views of two Parasitic Jaegers chasing gulls offshore. In addition to the abundant species, we had decent looks at an Iceland Gull and exceptional views of this award winning Thayer’s Gull (If you’re wondering what the award is, it’s the Gull-of-the-Day award).
Thayer’s Gull at Daytona Beach Shores, Volusia Co, Florida on 23 January 2015. Photo by Tim Schreckengost.
Thayer’s Gull at Daytona Beach Shores, Volusia Co, Florida on 23 January 2015. Photo by Tim Schreckengost.
Thayer’s Gull at Daytona Beach Shores, Volusia Co, Florida on 23 January 2015. Photo by Tim Schreckengost.
Check back over the next few weeks for more posts about our time here at the World Digiscopers Meeting and Space Coast Birding Festival! In the mean time, swing by the Leica booth if you’re in Titusville for the weekend. Drew and I will be hanging out there all day on Saturday!