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Black Headed Gull


Black Headed Gull
Photo Information
Copyright: Hilary Wilkinson (Hil) Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 705 W: 13 N: 1405] (5027)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2006-10-10
Categories: Birds
Camera: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50
Exposure: f/4.5, 1/200 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2006-10-11 5:11
Viewed: 707
Points: 10
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
A Black Headed Gull (Winter Plummage)

If I have the ID wrong will you let me know and I will change it.

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, which 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.

The Black-headed Gull is the prefectural bird of Tokyo and the Yurikamome mass transit system is named after it.

Notes from Wilkipedia.com
scottevers7, fartash, Argus, cedryk has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

Hi Hilary,
A very nice shot on this Black-headed Gull. Spot on exposure has the colors and detail looking great. The colors and reflections in the water really make the shot here. Looks great!
Scott

Hi Hilary,
Wonderful bird shot.Nice compo.Exellent sharpness, colours and reflection.TFS.

hAyAti

Hey Hilary
Very nice reflection,
Great colors,perfect lighting,
Excellent

Regards
Fartash

  • Great 
  • Argus Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3813 W: 190 N: 11346] (34981)
  • [2006-10-11 11:51]

Great shot, Hilary!
Good portrait of a Black-headed Gull in non-breeding plumage.
Sharp, nice water movement, good comp and DOF.
Nothing wrong with it all! Well done!
Regards, Ivan

  • Great 
  • cedryk Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 966 W: 52 N: 1694] (5184)
  • [2006-10-11 20:29]

Hello Hilary,
Nice portrait with lovely reflections on the water. I like the light as well.
Best greetings,
Michal

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