Last Friday it was Gus’ day off so we decided to drive over to Revere Beach and walk. The beach was surprisingly un-crowded, and almost deserted for a late, but warm summer day. As we walked along the beach we saw hundreds of gulls, but then I saw this beauty, a small gull on the sand at the edge of the water. Much smaller than the Great Black-backed, Herring, and Ring-billed gulls I had been seeing, this little bird has a dark eye, a black beak, and that funny little “ear” patch, a remnant from its black hood seen during the breeding season. Note also the pinkish-red legs. And while Laughing Gulls have dark eyes and a black hood, they are much larger and their beak is much heavier looking with hints of red or completely red and their legs are reddish black. But once the bird took flight the identity was completely sealed for only the Bonaparte's has those translucent outer primaries seen in flight.
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The second shot of the takeoff is a gem Kathie.
ReplyDeletewonderful captures.
ReplyDeletedan
Nice ID tips!
ReplyDeleteExcellent ID and captures Kathie. Love the way the light shines through those wings.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beauty Kathie, great photos.
ReplyDeleteFantastic close-ups. Now if I could do these perhaps I be able to identify gulls... :)
ReplyDeleteterrific shots!! that second one is amazing!! wow!! i love it.
ReplyDeleteGreat captures Kathie.
ReplyDeleteLovely images of a beautiful Gull.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos of the Gull.
ReplyDeleteSuperb captures, #3 is my personal favorite, and your wonderfully written send up is out of this world. A great post Kathie, you are raising the bar!
ReplyDeleteStunning captures, especially the in flight images! Those wings are lovely. A most beautiful gull.
ReplyDeleteGood captures!
ReplyDeleteNice close ups!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
ReplyDeleteElegant Bonaparte indeed!! Enjoyed the take off!
ReplyDeleteIt is a beautiful seagull. Great captures, Kathi!
ReplyDeleteThese guys really are pure elegance, but they get a bum rap just because they expect us to share our french fries!
ReplyDeleteJust saw your other comment. MWT will continue as Our World Tuesday. Sylvia and I are working on it. The very catchy URL is:
ReplyDeletehttp://ourworldtuesdaymeme.blogspot.com/
HI Katie...These are fabulous photos...
ReplyDeleteLove the second with the wings up...elegant indead!!
Grace
Wonderful capture, Kathie! And fabulous images! Bonapartes must be my favorite gull, next to the Iceland Gull. Thanks for pointing out the salient field marks - I learned something.
ReplyDeleteI've never seen one of these gulls before or perhaps it's just that I have never paid enough attention. I love to watch the seagulls on the beach though, lovely, comical things they are. Brilliant photos Kathie. Thanks for stopping by my earthquake post, glad you didn't feel anything up there. They have also closed buildings in DC to check for damage. Not sure if they are open yet.
ReplyDeleteHi Kathie, I've been a bit lax recently, but finally caight up on the backlog. Lovely sequence of a delightful little gull!!
ReplyDeleteOH these photos are really Beautiful! Great work.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos of the Gull.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great find Kathie! It's always a wise idea to scan shorebirds for the unusual species. These are fantastic images. Your in-flight shots are excellent!
ReplyDeleteHi Kathie
ReplyDeleteGreat post, good information on the field marks and the photos were fabulous. The sequence of shots makes me feel like I was there watching the gull take off.
Regards
Guy
Great description and photos Kathie!I don't always pay as close attention to gulls because I almost always see the same ones-I'm going to be more alert this month after reading your post.
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