Franklin's Gull
Larus pipixcan
Synopsis:
Reportedly breeds only at Harney and Malheur Lakes. Any
records away from away these locations are notable, but
may merely represent widely foraging breeders or wandering non-breeders.
First observed nesting in Oregon in 1948 (at Malheur
National Wildlife Refuge).
Habitat Associations:
strongest
Edges of Freshwater Marsh (13844 acres)
strong
Lake/Pond Shoreline & Islands (107520 acres)
some
Edges of Cropland/Pasture/Orchard (169681 acres)
lesser
Seasonally Wet Playa (3561 acres)
Relative Detectability:
Easy to spot, but nesting is at difficult-to-access
locations.
Challenge:
Attempt to confirm breeding of birds away from the Malheur
Refuge.