Herring Gulls and Black-Headed Gulls are the classic British 'sea-gulls' (a phrase that makes me shudder even as I type it!).
But what I think makes the Herring Gull the classic of classics is its laughing call, beloved of seaside sound tracks even in countries where the gull is not found! If the smell of cut grass means the first weekends of spring, then the sound of this gull means time by the sea.
Somewhat predictably most of these images come from the cliffs at Bempton - where WBW has been based for the last six weeks! But just for variety there are also some shots of the same species from the seafront at Brighton.
More formally know as
Larus argentatus this species can cause a few ID headaches especially in juvenile plumage, and in fact forms part of a group of gulls known as a 'ring species' that occur around the North Pole - this is neither the time nor place for a biology lesson, but Google 'Gull Ring Species' for more information.
 |
| Bempton Cliffs |
 |
| Bempton Cliffs |
 |
| Bempton Cliffs |
 |
| Brighton Seafront |
 |
| Brighton Seafront |
Now it's your turn to get in on the WBW action - so click on that blue button and off you go. SM
Wonderful images - I love that flight shot! I've spent all my life living in various coastal areas and am rather fond of gulls so I'm glad you shared this "classic".
ReplyDeleteWe have Herring Gulls here in the Greater Toronto Area too but I have never noticed their "laugh." I need to listen more carefully!
ReplyDeleteHello Stewart, awesome shots of the Herring Gull. They are a common gull seen here. Thanks for hosting, have a happy week!
ReplyDeleteA splendid variety of images and settings!
ReplyDeleteNow you're talking a bird I know!!! I grew up with these birds and they are the official bird of my hometown in Wisconsin. While people may not like their "sea gulls" there, I think they are quite beautiful and enjoy seeing them every time I go home to visit:)
ReplyDeleteVery stately looking gulls! I like the heavy bills!
ReplyDeleteHi Stewart, awesome shots of the Herring Gull. A seagull always looks like it's had its marking painted onto it. I enjoyed seeing them while we were on holiday on the east coast during May this year. Thanks for hosting this meme. I'll link up tomorrow (Wednesday). Greetings, Jo
ReplyDeleteA day at the beach wouldn't be the same without them!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful bird and your shots are absolutely amazing, as always :) I love how you capture them so perfectly!
ReplyDeleteThat 2nd image of in flight is fantastic!!!!
ReplyDeletebeautiful shots.
ReplyDeleteImpressive Stewart, love these.
ReplyDeleteThat's quite funny that they use this gull's laugh as sea-sound-track! On the Texas gulf coast we saw (and heard) a gull called "Laughing Gull". They sound more like people at a raucous bar than they do like a bird.
ReplyDeleteI have no bird this week -- we have been doing dumb stuff that doesn't involve anything interesting.
Great photos of the Gulls They look interesting birds but I am rather pleased that "our" gulls don't have all those confusing plumage changes.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos of the Gulls They look interesting birds but I am rather pleased that "our" gulls don't have all those confusing plumage changes.
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy Herring Gulls. They are bold and fearless and when freshly moulted truly beautiful. Nothing quite enlivens a harbour like a Herring Gull.
ReplyDeleteI should like to have had a link to a sound track so I could hear the laughing call of the Herring Gull ... perhaps, I will do that on my own. My goodness, you are quite the traveling man. So many places, so many birds ... when do you get to go home and relax with your family? I know you love what you do, but I am guessing you would like to be home with those handsome kids and your wonderful wife even more. Hope that happens soon, but not so soon that you don't come home with a supply of WBW pictures for all of us. Stay well and safe, Stewart ...
ReplyDeleteAndrea @ From The Sol
Stunning shots of the gulls, Stewart. Yes, their calls make one long for the beach! My hubby pointed out the laughing gulls to our grandson when he visited us in Virginia many years ago. He was raised closed to the sea.
ReplyDeleteI am so happy you will allow me to repost some of your book reviews! For the ones from the past, I am not sure how to access them via Amazon. Perhaps you could choose a few that you think my group would enjoy (and me especially! :-) ) and send them via email at bluelotustile@gmail. I would love to read them!
Beautiful birds, beautifully captured. :)
ReplyDeleteI can't deny I'm a seagull lover. These Herring Gulls look similar to our Pacific Gulls and I assume their juveniles are equally as confusing? I remember seeing juvenile Pacific Gulls for the first time at Hastings, Vic and being totally confused as to what type of gull they were as there no adults around.
ReplyDeleteActually... as an addition, I have a juvenile Herring Gull in my post about birds I photographed in Alaska. :)
ReplyDeleteSuper shots especially the flight image. Thanks for hosting Stewart.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Gulls!
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting WBW!
Lea
Classic, indeed. Stewart, Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteSallie up above, mentioned the Laughing Gull in Texas. I saw them for the first time while passing through Texas then along the Gulf Coast. They were interesting for the first few minutes. After that they were ever increasing annoying. The most so of all the gulls in my book.
ReplyDeleteLove the 2nd picture..The blue of the water is fantastic...The Gull in flight is gorgeous...Never hurts to learn a bit now and then...Enjoy your day..I don't think I've photographed any birds lately..:(
ReplyDeletecool shots
ReplyDeleteHello Stewart. Sorry it has been a while! I do love gulls though I admit to a terrible laziness in identifying them. These photos are wonderful.
ReplyDeleteStewart the photo showing the wingspan of the gull is amazing.
ReplyDeleteExcellent shots of the gull!
ReplyDeleteThey are so attractive and their voice does bring a quick smile that will last long~
ReplyDeleteIt is always a full house with the Gulls around at the beach. They are quite brazen when it comes to foraging through beach bags too!!...:)JP
ReplyDeleteWhat great shots. You know what they say: gulls just want to have fun!
ReplyDeleteGreat collection of gulls, excellent photos. Have a good day Diane
ReplyDeleteGreat images Srewart. After a long time in Bloggerland and good to be back and checking out on blogs :) Have a great sunday!
ReplyDeleteShantana