This 1st cycle Heermann's Gull was found at the Hopewell Marina on October 27th by Allen Bryan. I was lucky to see it late that day, resting alone on a log on the far shore, often with its head tucked. Many others later photographed it as close as the parking lot. The closer photo is by Deborah Humphries on October 31st. In August, a Herrmann's in similar plumage was photographed at the Jamestown Ferry, about 30 miles down the James River from Hopewell...possibly the same bird?
In 2021, Heermann's were recorded in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, New Jersey and Rhode Island...an amazing array of observations, which included adult, 1st cycle and 2nd cycle birds. Heermann's normal U. S. range is the west coast.
On November 4th, a winter plumaged adult Heermann's was photographed in Virginia Beach, where an adult was recorded on May 11 as Virginia's 2nd record...could it be the same bird?
Brian Taber
