I love capturing photos of ocean shore birds fluttering by during a windy day with turbulent waves crashing ashore.
The Western Seagulls are the most common gull on the North Pacific coast and can live over 30 years. These are a large white head and underparts, with a grayish back, and spindly legs, with web feet. They nest on islands, offshore rocks, and abandoned wharves. Three eggs are typically laid, with one to two chicks surviving.
The parents will defend their territory/nest and chicks that venture into another’s territory are in mortal danger. Western Gulls are arial opportunists eating almost any type of live or fresh prey and discarded foodstuffs from we humans.
These Seagulls are majestic in fight gliding slowly across the shoreline drifting on the waves crashing upon the shoreline and they are excellent for wildlife photographers to capture in flight.
Be aware and help protect wildlife around you. If birds are behaving nervously you are too close. Signs of distress include head bobbing, excessive calling, and fluttering. If a bird is dive-bombing or appears to have a broken wing, it is trying to lure you away from its nest. Watch your feet and move carefully away.