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Fox River, Geneva, 2/1/2004 Copyright © 2004 Eric Secker	Fox River, Geneva, 2/1/2004 Copyright © 2004 Eric Secker

Iceland Gulls are usually seen at lakes or rivers in winter, especially areas with mixed frozen and open water.  FermiLab is the best location to see this species. They have also been seen at Settler's Hill landfill and along the Fox River in Kane County.  They are extremely rare in late fall through winter.  This bird is a very dark juvenile.  Note the primaries which are not much darker than the rest of the bird (as in a pale Thayer's Gull).  The rounded head shape, fairly even thickness bill, and primary extension is also important.

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