Gregarious Gulls

There hasn't been a whole lot going on nature-wise lately.  Now that it's colder the raccoons and woodchucks have gone into hibernation.  There's no snow on the ground so the only birds that show up at the feeder on a regular basis are those darn house sparrows, along with a few titmice and starlings.  The only thing I have noticed lately is an increase in our gull population.  There were five or six circling over the house a few weekends ago.

They are masters at finding the air currents and just soaring without a single flap of their wings.

They not only have been around the house more, but they have also been showing up in greater numbers in other places - like the neighborhood strip mall parking lot.  Why do they hang out in parking lots?  I can't believe that many people actually feed them, but maybe trash, especially from fast food restaurants, is the draw.

There is one parking lot in particular where they usually hang out - catching a few rays on a cold December morning.  (The first time I saw them I took a quick glance and thought 'why are all those rocks in the parking lot?')  But of course when I went there specifically to take photos none were in sight!  I continued my errands going to pick a prescription at the pharmacy when I saw this bunch and made a quick turn to capture them.  This is a flock of ring-billed gulls, so named because of the black ring around their bill.  Can you see it?

Their normal breeding habitat is around northern U.S. and Canadian lakes and rivers.  They winter further south as far as the Gulf of Mexico and are more likely to head for the coast and salt water then, as well as western Europe.

They are opportunistic feeders eating fish, grain, eggs, insects and rodents.  And, of course, they are not above stealing food from others, including a big Mac or french fry or two!

Come to think of it, there is a Mickey D's in that mall.  They can be considered pests by beach goers, but I don't think they'll find too many folks out there this time of year.  I always enjoy watching their antics and amazing flying skills.