03/30/2024
While you won’t find any “Seagulls” in Kansas, you can see multiple gull species happily flocking and nesting around the state! 🌻
Frank, our Franklin’s Gull, is one such handsome example. First described in 1830, they were more aptly called “Prairie Doves” by early settlers. Often in large flocks, they nest primarily along the freshwater marshes and lakes of the central United States. 💦🌾 Feeding mainly on fish or insects, and seeds when those are scarce, they can nimbly forage in the water, on land, or in flight. And how superbly they fly! 🪽
Unique to other gull species, Franklin’s Gulls undergo two complete feather molts per year. They need new, strong feathers twice a year in order to meet the demands of a long-distance migration; they can fly roughly 10,000 miles on their annual migration to Chile and back each year. 🗺️
Be sure to say hello 👋 to Frank during Feeding Time, or anytime for that matter! If you aren’t sure which one he is, listen for a distinctive (and loud!) descending call that sounds a little like laughter. 🩶
