There was a note posted on the Sitka Birds Facebook group with pictures of a Franklin’s Gull that had been in the channel. I was able to find the gull just off the ramp at UAS and get some pictures. It stayed there fairly close to shore for 45 minutes or so, but just before I had to leave it flew across and further up the channel. This is only the second Franklin’s Gull reported from Sitka, with the first seen (and photographed) on the beach near the mouth of Indian River on 30 April 2007. This is only the third report for the Sitka road system. Prior reports include a ‘probable’ Franklin’s Gull on 29 October 1988 (M. Ward, M. Tedin), and then on 30 April 2007 an adult was photographed on the flats at Totem Park.
Thanks to J. Drake for the finding and promptly posting about this bird!
Weather today was sunny with temperatures in the lower 50s (high of 55F). The sun made it feel like it was warm, but there was a cool breeze throughout much of the day that I suspect kept the actual air temperatures moderated.