Western gulls (identified by large size, dark backs, yellow bills, and pink feet) are ubiquitous along the west coast of the US, but are strictly marine and seldom move any significant distance inland.  These birds were photographed at Crystal Cove State Park, Coronado, Bolsa Chica wetlands, La Jolla, Pacific Grove, and Monterey, all in California.
      Western gulls are very similar in most respects to the large-billed yellow-footed gull, a Mexican species that breeds in the Sea of Cortez and can be seen in the US only in the Salton Sea in extreme southern Californa.

• Canon 10D, 1D Mk. II, 1D3, or 1D4; 500 mm f4 IS lens or 800 mm IS lens, some with 1.4X or 2X converter and fill-in flash (2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014)