Laughing Gull (Larus atricilla)
A smallish gull, the Laughing Gull is abundant along the southern Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States. It is also found in western Europe. During breeding season, the entire head is black looking like a hood. It’s long bill is somewhat droopy towards the tip. It has a distinctive voice, which sounds like it is laughing, “ha-ha-ha-ha-haah.” They are wonderful fliers and good swimmers although it seldom dives underwater.
A smallish gull, the Laughing Gull is abundant along the southern Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States. It is also found in western Europe. During breeding season, the entire head is black looking like a hood. It’s long bill is somewhat droopy towards the tip. It has a distinctive voice, which sounds like it is laughing, “ha-ha-ha-ha-haah.” They are wonderful fliers and good swimmers although it seldom dives underwater.
This group of gulls and terns was flying around me while I was trying to get shots on Sanibel Island, Florida.
Royal Tern (Sterna maxima)
This large tern feeds by plunge-diving for fish. They have a slender bill which can be from yellow to reddish but usually more orange. They have a narrow, shaggy black band around the back of their heads. During breeding season, it becomes a black cap. Young Royal Terns leave the nest within one day after hatching and congregate together in a group. A pair of Royal Terns, however, will feed only their own chick, even if it is in a group numbering hundreds of chicks.
This large tern feeds by plunge-diving for fish. They have a slender bill which can be from yellow to reddish but usually more orange. They have a narrow, shaggy black band around the back of their heads. During breeding season, it becomes a black cap. Young Royal Terns leave the nest within one day after hatching and congregate together in a group. A pair of Royal Terns, however, will feed only their own chick, even if it is in a group numbering hundreds of chicks.
Western Sandpiper (Calidris mauri)
Delightful little shore bird photographed on Sanibel Island, Florida.
Delightful little shore bird photographed on Sanibel Island, Florida.
Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis)
This little fellow to the right perched on a post off the coast of Cedar Key, Florida, is a Ring-billed Gull. He can winter as far north as Alaska. His cry is very loud and high-pitched.