After moving to San Diego in fall 2013 I've seen them 5 times now--all in June and July at the south end of San Diego Bay and at the mouth of the Tijuana River. Shorebirds might be found in July, but otherwise this time of year is not too productive for birds in these areas. You almost have to choose this as a birding destination in summer specifically to hope for Gull-billed Terns.
I chose the beach at the end of Seacoast Drive in Imperial Beach specifically for Marlene--she likes the generally uncrowded beach and the chance to find sea shells. And it has been quite hot this July, without break. The cooler beach temperature was a great respite. Close views of Gull-billed Terns working the surf was a great bonus!
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Gull-billed Tern. Imperial Beach, California. July 29, 2018.
1/1250 f/7.1 @400mm ISO 250
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| Juvenile Gull-billed Tern. |
According to the San Diego County Bird Atlas (2004. Philip Unitt) Gull-billed Terns are a new arrival to the county. The first was recorded in 1985. Breeding ensued in 1987. By 2003 there were 32-37 breeding pairs. I'm not sure of the current population, but it may not be much more than that now (59 pairs 2010 Patton in lit). Interestingly, the entire northwestern Mexican and California population was about 600 pairs according to a survey published in 2003. Other subspecies are found nearly around the world at mid-latitudes.
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