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Larus ridibundus


Larus ridibundus
Photo Information
Copyright: Marx Kol (Marx44) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 53 W: 71 N: 244] (1561)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2007-05-25
Categories: Birds
Camera: Konica-Minolta Dynax 7D, 100-300 L f: 4,5 - 5,6, Hoya 55mm UV
Exposure: f/8, 1/1250 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2007-07-07 6:56
Viewed: 475
Points: 4
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
The Black-headed Gull (Larus ridibundus) is a small gull which breeds in much of Europe and Asia, and also in coastal eastern Canada. 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 the northeastern United States.

This gull is 38-44cm long with a 94-105 cm 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".
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Critiques [Translate]

Czesc! Swietne ujecie. Alez ciezki jest ten ptak, leci niczym bobowiec. Fruwanie to jednak ciezkie zajecie, o czym zdjecie przekonuje nad wyraz dobitnie. Znakomita ostrosc. Klaniam sie!

  • Great 
  • demeve Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 507 W: 8 N: 1073] (3964)
  • [2007-07-07 17:10]

Hello Marx,
Excellent capture of this beautiful gull in great pose,
fantastic colors and details, wonderful POV and composition,
very sharp.. Congratulations and well done

"I'll Be Back"

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