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Black-headed Gull


Black-headed Gull
Photo Information
Copyright: Gert Paassen (Gert-Paassen) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 507 W: 2 N: 2036] (6396)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2006-05-15
Categories: Birds
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2008-08-29 3:36
Viewed: 268
Points: 26
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note [Dutch]
Latin name - Larus ridibundus

The Black-headed Gull is a small gull which breeds in much of Europe and Asia, and also in coastal eastern Canada. Ironically, it lacks a black head in all plumages. Most of the population is migratory, wintering further south, but some birds in the milder westernmost areas of Europe are resident. Some birds will also spend the winter in northestern North America, where it was formerly known as the Common Black-headed Gull. As is the case with many gulls, it has traditionally been placed in the genus Larus.

This gull is 38-44 cm (15-17˝ in) long with a 94-105 cm (37-41 in) wingspan. It breeds in colonies in large reedbeds or marshes, or on islands in lakes, nesting on the ground. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding or in evening roosts. It is not a pelagic species, and is rarely seen at sea far from coasts.

The Black-headed Gull is a bold and opportunist feeder and will scavenge in towns or take invertebrates in ploughed fields with equal relish.

In flight, the white leading edge to the wing is a good field mark. The summer adult has a chocolate-brown head (not black, despite the name), pale grey body, black tips to the primary wing feathers, and red bill and legs. The hood is lost in winter, leaving just dark vertical streaks.

This species takes two years to reach maturity. First year birds have a black terminal tail band, more dark areas in the wings, and, in summer, a less fully developed dark hood.

This is a noisy species, especially at colonies, with a familiar "kree-ar" call. Its scientific name means "Laughing Gull".

The Black-headed Gull is the prefectural bird of Tokyo and the Yurikamome mass transit system is named after it.
haraprasan, boreocypriensis, NinaM, eqshannon, marhowie, robindb, jaycee, xTauruSx, Jamesp, jrobertop, nirmalroberts has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

Hello Gert,

Splendid composition. I like the flowers (forget-me-not on the nest and nenuphar (yellow spots) on the water). Very good DOF and focus on the nest and the gull. Good light and colours.
Cheer,
Mariki

Hi again Brother Gert,
Nice to be a neighbour today!:) Wonderful shot of this beauty! It seems very happy and cute! Great details and nice DOF selection.
Many thanks for tharing this beauty!
Cheers, Bayram

  • Great 
  • NinaM Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 654 W: 0 N: 1623] (5300)
  • [2008-08-29 6:15]

Hello Gert, another superb shot from you. What a beautiful gull. I am glad to se you back too, it's much fun to see you again. Thank you and see you soon!

Francine

You nailed the depth of field in this one Gert....the fore is ALL in focus and teh back i perfectly out, yet retains enough colours to make it complementing and interesting. Notes tell the truth and so there ya go! fine lesson plan for today from you sir!
Bob

Nice work Gert, excellent exposure & colors.
I like it! :)
Howard

Hi Gert,

Nice sharp details on the bird with a complementary background. Pity about the branch and leaves in front of the birds back.

TFS

Robin

  • Great 
  • jaycee Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1904 W: 8 N: 4959] (16025)
  • [2008-08-29 10:28]

Hi Gert,

An amazing looking Gull which you have captured beautfiully. The colors are wonderful. Excellent details of the entire bird. The face is beautiful with the beak and eye standing out. Tail feathers are just magnificent. A fantastic setting and composition.

Jane

Hello Gert, perfect shot of this beutiful bird. TFS and regards,
Deniz

  • Great 
  • Jamesp Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1299 W: 0 N: 5081] (15140)
  • [2008-08-29 14:29]

Hi Gert

A great pose with lovely lighting and colours. The isolation of the gull is very good.

James

Hello Gert,
Excellent picture of this gull resting in its nest. TFS.
- Nirmal

Hi Gert,
A nice capture of this beautiful black headed gull. Very well composed with sharp details. Thanks a lot for sharing.

Hi Gert.
Magnificent picture!
Beautiful bird with nice coloration.
Excellent sharpness and details.
Thanks for sharing this marvel!
Regards,
José Roberto

  • Great 
  • uleko Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2580 W: 170 N: 7866] (24875)
  • [2008-08-30 9:23]

Hello Gert,
Lovely capture of this Black-headed Gull on its nest. Great focus on the bird and on the fine green plants in front. Sharp details and lovely colours too in this beautiful composition.
TFS and regards, Ulla

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