Most of the time, if you see a gull in Australia it's one of these.
The scientific name of the species - Chroicephalus novaehollandiae - hides a little history of this continent country. This is another bird that has been reclassified recently and was formally placed in the genus Larus, and many references on the web still call it that.
Australia was once known as New Holland and a number of species have the specific name novaehollandiae. I think its a bit of a shame the name changed really, because the old name meant the "ravenous sea bird for New Holland" - which, apart from the name of the country is a decent description of this bird!
The adults are about 40 cm long - which is just a bit bigger than a Black-Headed Gull or a Laughing Gull - and as ever for gulls, they sport a fine set of white and grey feathers. In full breeding condition the legs and beak are bright red. This bird is just past its best on the red front!
It was only when I had a look at the images when I got home that I noticed just how spiky the bush this bird is in looks - I don't normally do this, but I can't help but think that the bird is saying "ouch"!
These pictures were taken on Mud Islands, just off the coast of Queenscliff, on the same trip that produced the Crested Terns from last week. If you are in this part of the world, its a trip you should consider.
Now its your turn (note correct spelling!). SM
(turned the tern back to turn.) :)
ReplyDeletenice shots of the gull! i totally agree on the 'ouch' factor!
thanks for hosting, stewart!
Don't see too many gulls perched in trees........
ReplyDeleteIt does look like he's saying ouch!
ReplyDeleteI can almost hear that guy holler! Bill has a tiny (quiet) snit-fit whenever anyone uses the term 'seagull'. We see quite a variety of gulls (on one or the other coast). And by the way, not everyone would use the word 'blessed' when they were speaking of having gulls in their area.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful bird and great captures as always, Stewart! And, yes, I do think he's saying OUCH!! Hope your week is off to a good start!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
I really do think that the bird is saying ouch. I would be!!
ReplyDeleteThat tree it's perched in looks a bit lethal!!
ReplyDeleteHe may well be saying "ouch" in seagull speak ... but if he were me, I would be saying something slightly more profound which would violate the good manners rule on our blogs. Great pictures, Stewart. I don't know why people don't like gulls ... maybe because there are so many of them and they can become pesty if you are sporting any kinds of treats. But if you look at them, they are truely beautiful birds and they deserve a place in the bird world. Have a great week, Steward and I loved your underwater shots ... wish you had been able to see the Weedy Sea Dragon. I went to your link and what an amazing ... fish?, animal? ... I don't know how to classify it. But it is awesome! Thanks again for teaching me new stuff. My brain overfloweth ... :)
ReplyDeleteAndrea @ From The Sol
It's a beautiful gull. The bush looks like a lot of ouch.
ReplyDeletePretty gull. I seem to be one of the few people I know who like gulls. :)
ReplyDeleteThat was very interesting Stewart, and a smart bird to-boot.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Gordon.
After noticing the spiky bush you have to wonder if that open mouth was because he/she landed wrong. :)
ReplyDeleteExcellent captures Stewart!
I really like the background color. It really helps to highlight this lovely gull.
That was very interesting Stewart, and a smart bird to-boot.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Gordon.
Fine capture.
ReplyDeleteWonderful images with the blurred background to isolate your subject. Well done Stewart.
ReplyDeletenice shots :O)
ReplyDeleteOuch indeed! The way he's lifting his foot in the last shot would surely confirm it.
ReplyDeleteReally great shots, Stewart. That first one is superb.
wonderlijk hoe z,on vogel tussen de stekels door kan zitten.
ReplyDeleteA seagull standing on a tree? ;-)
ReplyDeleteCéline & Philippe
Love how his orange mouth matches his orange feet. What a delightful bird. And great shots!
ReplyDeleteYikes, you'd think that would hurt it's feet. I don't think I've seen a gull perched on a tree before.
ReplyDeleteSplendid shots of the silver gull! A bit surprising there isn't more diversity in the gull family there.
ReplyDeleteIt is unusual to see a gull on a spiky bush like this. But the bush makes an interesting frame highlighting the gull's shape and tone.
ReplyDeleteHe looks out of place on that thorny branch. But it sure makes for a cool photo.
ReplyDeleteThis is truly a beautiful gull.....I love the name, but the eyes are striking.....what a lovely gray/silver looking gull. And the orange legs are quite the contrast. I learn so much about your birds. When I finally earn enough money, I think I'll find Australia and New Zealand some of my favorite places to bird:)
ReplyDeletebirds always have the luck of having the coolest legs ever. bright orange at that. neat!! ( :
ReplyDeleteReally pretty photos of the Gull. I think maybe ouch is right - don't think he'd want to sit down on those spikes!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful gulls! I love their bright orange feet! They loo very similar to the sea-gulls here in NJ - they might be the same but I would need to look.
ReplyDeleteCute shots of your Silver Gull. Are you sure the gull isn't saying feed me. Thanks for hosting, have a happy week!
ReplyDeleteGreat info on the silver gull Stewart, and wonderful photos. I am linking up today.
ReplyDeleteGreat write up and photo, and yes, that bush looks painful!
ReplyDeleteI always assumed the Silver Gull was a 'normal' sized Gull until I moved to London and saw the gigantic Herring Gulls. Very intimidating birds!
LOL! These are nice shots! You can almost feel his pain.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos of the Silver Gulls. At least down your way you do have the chance of seeing a few of the other gulls - up here they are rarities and "twitchers" drive for hours to see one!
ReplyDeleteI am always amazed to see web-footed birds perched in trees or bushes.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos!
Lea
Ha! Ouch :)
ReplyDeleteGreat photos! Thanks for hosting!
Very lovely bird.
ReplyDeleteYes I think it would being saying ouch as well. Great photos.
ReplyDeleteHi! Nice captures. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHI Stewert Yes you are right about his cry! These Gulls are so white with their wonderful red mouth and red legs. Thanks for losing. I like the new way to link. Great and easy
ReplyDeleteThey are good looking gulls. You'll see lots more here when you gone back to visit. From Findlay
ReplyDeleteAmazingly the know how to negotiate these natural hazards.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shots!
Ruby
Beautiful shot of gull!! I think the thorns don't prick them...
ReplyDeleteBeautiful bird and great captures as always, Stewart!
ReplyDeleteOh he's lovely! What a striking eye ..... truly Superb shots!
ReplyDeleteWow, thats great shots. I love the wild birds. Thanks for sharing, for hosting this nice project and happy weekdevider, Wieczora (◔‿◔) | my photoblog
ReplyDeleteIt's the bright eye and eye ring which really makes this one stand out Stewart. Yes, I don't like the experts playing around with names either but they know best because they always tell us so. Thanks for hosting once again.
ReplyDeleteFor all their relative "nuisance" value, gulls are smart looking birds and often are very photogenic subjects, this Silver Gull is just that...... good results with these three images.
ReplyDeleteHe/she looks like it is telling you off! Nice shot as always. Dawn
ReplyDeletePretty birds. Even in my landlocked state, we see an occasional gull.
ReplyDeleteLovely gull photos, Stewart, and the red coloring is remarkable even if it is past prime, as you say!
ReplyDeleteFunny you mention laughing gulls...there are a few in the photos of my post this week. I like all seabirds. Thanks for hosting.
ReplyDeletesuch a pretty bird! I don`t believe I`ve ever saw a gull in a tree!Thank-you for sharing & hosting,Phyllis
ReplyDeleteThat's a lovely gull, and definitely a spiky tree! I like the red coloring, not something we see here.
ReplyDeleteAdorable & charming - beautifully balanced on prickly thorns !
ReplyDeleteWonderful shots of this beautiful gull.
ReplyDeleteThese are the gulls I see most here in NZ. They certainly have some attitudes!
ReplyDeleteGulls are such fun chaps to observe and this guy looks like a great one...it could have been smiling at you.
ReplyDeleteWe have had COLD weather, icing on top of snow and more snow expected, miserable Winter, so looking forward to Spring.
Take care~