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| Ring-Billed Gull, juvenile, Guntersville, Alabama, USA, September 9, 2016 |
Ring-Billed Gulls,
Larus delawarensis, can be seen along the east and west coasts of North America and on major rivers and lakes. They may be seen farther inland as they migrate. They eat fish, earthworms, insects, and grain. And they will search through garbage looking for food discarded by people.
It takes three years for the young ones to attain their adult plumage. Juveniles, like this one, will exchange their speckled feathers for pure white ones, retaining the bluish-grey feathers on their backs. Though this is the only one I saw at the lake that day, Ring-Billed Gulls are usually seen in flocks, and you may see a mixed flock of gulls and terns.
Have a wonderful day!
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NOTE: Please do not use my photos without my permission.
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I have always loved gulls, a love not shared by many members of my family who considered them pests. Your photos are beautiful—every feather showing sharp and clear.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment on my blog. I always enjoy compliments, even if our darlin' dog Lindy takes them for granted. They are only her due, she believes.
Kay
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel
Excellent pictures!
ReplyDeleteWonderful gulls!
ReplyDeleteGreat shots! We see the ring-billed gulls often here, but we live fairly close to the ocean, so it's not surprising. I think they are great opportunists, taking advantage of unsuspecting beach visitors who leave food on their beach towels!
ReplyDeleteI loved reading your descriptive narration of its plumage for the 1st year gull. well done. And a picture post card photo it is!!!! BOTH of them.
ReplyDeleteThanks for adding this to I'd Rather B Birdin's Linking Tool this week!!
Isn't he regal looking in that first pic?
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