The herring gull is a seabird that can be found along the coasts and waterways of Red Dead Redemption 2’s map. While not as common as other bird species in the game, the herring gull does have a few specific locations where it tends to appear.
Along the Dakota River
One of the most reliable spots to find herring gulls in RDR2 is along the Dakota River, particularly around Bard’s Crossing. This small town in the west of the map features a railroad bridge that crosses the river, and herring gulls can often be seen flying and resting along the water’s edge near here. Carefully scan the skies and shores around Bard’s Crossing and you’re likely to spot one soaring overhead or perched on the ground.
On the Kamassa River
The Kamassa River to the north of the map is another decent place to search for herring gulls. This winding river cuts through several different biomes, from the mountains and forests around Willard’s Rest, to the plains south of Dewberry Creek. Slowly ride along the Kamassa looking for white and grey birds circling over the water or gathered on the shoreline.
Coast of Scarlett Meadows
The Scarlett Meadows region in the southeast of the Red Dead Redemption 2 map borders Flat Iron Lake, and the coastline here can produce herring gull sightings. Patrol the shores south of Rhodes, near Catfish Jacksons, and between Caliga Hall and Shady Belle. Study the water carefully and you may spot a herring gull diving down to catch fish or simply soaring along the lake’s edge.
Cumberland Falls
Interestingly, herring gulls have also been encountered inland around Cumberland Falls, to the north of Valentine. It’s unusual to see these coastal birds this far from the sea, but their distinctive cries can sometimes be heard around the waterfall and river. Check the skies after a rainstorm or in the morning for the best chances of spotting one.
Guarma island
During Chapter 5 of the story, the gang flees to the tropical island of Guarma for a brief period. Along Guarma’s coastline, herring gulls can be spotted more frequently due to the abundance of sea life in the area. Check Lannahechee River delta, Cinco Torres, and around the sugar plantations for these gull species mixing with other tropical birds.
Tips for Spotting Herring Gulls
Here are some useful tips for locating herring gulls in Red Dead Redemption 2:
- Listen for their distinctive laughing cry as they fly overhead.
- Look for shoreline gatherings of white and grey seabirds.
- Regularly scan the skies near waterways and coasts.
- Equip a rifle scope or binoculars for detailed inspection.
- Search in the early morning and late afternoon when most active.
- Head to the Kamassa River after heavy rainfall or storms.
Herring Gull Details
Once you’ve tracked down a herring gull, take a closer look at its identifying features:
- Mostly white body with grey wings and back.
- Yellow beak with red spot near the tip.
- Pink legs and feet.
- Distinctive cackling “laughing” call.
- Often spotted circling over waterways.
- Dives down to catch fish and other prey.
Learning these visual and auditory identification points will help you recognize a herring gull when you see one in the wilds of Red Dead Redemption 2’s immersive frontier world.
Why Finding Herring Gulls Matters
Tracking down specific animal species like the herring gull may seem like a minor detail, but it greatly enhances the realism and immersion of Red Dead 2’s ecosystems. Observing different birds and wildlife in their natural habitats provides insights into how the developers craft these digital worlds. Appreciating all these subtle ambient touches ultimately creates a richer, more believable environment.
Searching for herring gulls also encourages players to actively explore off the beaten path, taking in scenic views and different landmarks they may have otherwise missed. You’re bound to have memorable emergent encounters along the way. So for any avid naturalists out there, finding every animal species can become its own rewarding meta-game within Red Dead’s sublime virtual wilderness.
Other Rare Bird Species
In addition to the herring gull, there are several other elusive bird types to seek out in Red Dead Redemption 2’s world:
Woodpecker
Multiple woodpecker varieties can be found drilling trees in forested areas if you listen for their distinctive pecking sounds.
Oriole
Catch a flash of these brightly colored birds in woodlands and swamps during summer months.
Vulture
Circling ominously over scenes of carnage, vultures play an important clean-up role in the ecosystem.
Robin
Robins can be spotted on lawns and forest floors, often as one of the first birds singing in the morning.
Blue Jay
Listen for their loud piercing calls, and watch for flashes of brilliant blue in wooded areas.
Sparrow
Many small brown sparrow varieties flit through the trees and bushes of Red Dead 2’s wilderness.
Warbler
Tiny colorful warblers feed on insects and can be glimpsed briefly during spring and summer.
Eagle
Majestic bald and golden eagles soar over mountain peaks, scanning for their next meal below.
Conclusion
For avid bird watchers and wildlife lovers, tracking down every rare animal species becomes its own rewarding metagame within Red Dead Redemption 2’s stunning open world. The herring gull may be just one of many elusive birds, but searching for it takes players on an immersive tour through some of the most beautiful and scenic locales the frontier has to offer. And appreciating all these ambient touches helps breathe life into a remarkably realistic wilderness ecosystem where you never know what you’ll stumble across next.