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Kelp Gull


Kelp Gull
Photo Information
Copyright: Mike Rolfe (fiftysomething) Silver Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 45 W: 3 N: 121] (576)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2007-11-11
Categories: Birds
Camera: Fuji FinePix S5000, Canon EF100-400 F4.5-5.6L IS USM, 77mm UV
Exposure: f/8, 1/750 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): Birds of South Africa 2 [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2007-11-29 0:19
Viewed: 626
Points: 4
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
The Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus) breeds on coasts and islands through much of the southern hemisphere. The race L. d. vetula occurs around southern Africa, and nominate L. d. dominicanus is the subspecies found around South America, parts of Australia (where it overlaps with Pacific Gull), and New Zealand (where it is known as the Southern Black-backed Gull or by its Māori name Karoro). The species specific part of the binomial name comes from the Dominican order of friars who wore black and white habits.[1] It is the southern equivalent of the northern hemisphere's Lesser Black-backed Gull and is similar in size to that species at 56cm with an 128cm wingspan. This is a mainly coastal gull. The nest is a shallow depression on the ground lined with vegetation and feathers. The female usually lays 2 or 3 eggs. Both parents feed the young birds.

The adult Kelp Gull has black upperparts and wings. The head, underparts, tail and the small "mirrors" at the wing tips are white. The bill is yellow with a red spot, and the legs are greenish. The call is a strident ki-och. Young birds have scaly black-brown upperparts, and a neat wing pattern. They take four years to reach maturity. Kelp Gulls are omnivores like most Larus gulls, and they will scavenge as well as seeking suitable small prey. (ref wikepedia)
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Critiques [Translate]

I'll give you two points for clarity and quality of image. It is very sharp and well-captured, thanks to the lens and steady hand.

Hi Mike,

Nice sharp portrait of this Gull with stunning detail, nice light and colours and perfect pov.

Kind regards,

Mike

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