A beautiful summer like day in the fall, home on a staycation, what to do? Let's go to the Beach! The waves were spectacular. The birds were as enthralled with the magnificence as we were. The waves kept most of us out of the water, so that gave us the opportunity to watch the Seagulls.
As we meander back to the car, we see something amazing. A Seagull at the water fountain. Now you may wonder why would that be amazing, well how often do you see Seagulls drinking from a water fountain! The Herring Gull regularly drinks fresh water when it is available. If none is around, the gull will drink seawater. Special glands located over its eyes allow it to excrete the salt. The salty excretion can be seen dripping out of the gull's nostrils and off the end of its bill.
The Herring Gull is part of a complex of large, white-headed gulls that breed across the northern hemisphere. Some people consider all of the forms as one species, while others would recognize 10 or more species. The Lesser Black-backed and Yellow-legged gulls currently are recognized as different species, but birds intermediate between them and the Herring Gull occur. Only one form, the American Herring Gull, is common in North America. It was a great day for all.
The Herring Gull is part of a complex of large, white-headed gulls that breed across the northern hemisphere. Some people consider all of the forms as one species, while others would recognize 10 or more species. The Lesser Black-backed and Yellow-legged gulls currently are recognized as different species, but birds intermediate between them and the Herring Gull occur. Only one form, the American Herring Gull, is common in North America. It was a great day for all.
Thanks for the interesting info!
ReplyDeleteI didn't know that about Herring Gulls