Herring Gull chick banded on Funk Island seen in Halifax, NS

Great news! A Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) banded last summer by the Davoren Lab was seen near Halifax, NS in October 2017!

This individual hatched in June 2017 on Funk Island in Newfoundland and after 6 weeks of being fed and growing nice new feathers, it took it's first flight to the sea. Within the first 4 months of its life, it already traveled at least 1,200 km to reach Halifax!

Herring Gulls take 3 years before reaching adulthood, but immatures frequently visit colonies during the breeding season and often forage with breeding adults. If you live on the Atlantic coast, keep an eye out for color bands!

Special thanks to Paolo Matteucci for sharing his picture and observation with us.