California Gull bathing
Okay, I admit it. I think gulls are beautiful and this California Gull sure looked that way bathing! Look at those bright white feathers, the dark sparkling eyes rimmed in red, the darker contrasting gray feathers, the color and shape of the bill. What’s not to like about that?
California Gull lifting up
Yeah, I know. Some folks think they are trash birds. I don’t. I think they have grace when they are in flight, on the beach or bathing like this one was.
Fluttering California Gull
I sort of agree their calls can be loud and harsh but they aren’t always calling. Yeah, they frequent dumps but I reckon we sort of gave them those dumps because there weren’t any for the eons that came before humans arrived in North America. Yeah, they scavenge but so do Bald and Golden Eagles and who hates them?
California Gull shaking the water off its wings
I had fun photographing this California Gull, it was interesting to watch it bathe to see the various poses it took and the wing positions that I saw. This pose reminds me of the one Kate Winslet had when she portrayed Rose DeWitt Bukater on the bow of the Titanic. I’ve never seen the movie by the way but I am familiar with the iconic scene from the Titanic with Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet.
California Gull – One final flutter
But I digress… This was a puddle in a dirt road that the gull bathed in, it only existed because of the rains we’d had for a few days before I took this series of the gull bathing. It is bone dry now though.
California Gull – Just how goofy can I look for the photographer?
And who can resist goofy bird images? I can’t and this is a pretty goofy looking image. I didn’t know a gull’s head could twist that far.
California Gull drinking water after a bath
After the gull was done bathing it took a few drinks from the puddle before it flew away. Yes, it was a bathing beauty.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my California Gull photos plus facts and information about this species.
what a lovely series of shots Mia, as always! if you get the chance I’d like to know what settings you used for the brilliant goofy bird image.
Kim, I shot the goofy gull in aperture priority, auto WB, used my D300, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 500, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 314mm. I kept the ISO at 500 because I wanted enough shutter speed to nearly freeze the very fast action that was going on. Thanks for commenting!
ohhh, very nice actions and moves, it makes the pictures alive, well done mia, bravo =)))
Thanks much Eric!
Yeah, when my girlfriend see a gull anywhere near the Great Salt Lake, she says, “garbage bird” — however, I find them graceful flyers and enjoy seeing them as much as any other bird. Nice series Mia, especially the one twisting its head — that I have never seen. Thanks!
Utahbooklover, I must really be truly addicted to birds because I find each and every one of them beautiful and fascinating. Thanks much for your comment, I’m glad you like the goofy one!
I just found your blog today, and have enjoyed these photos. I especially like the goofy one. Even though seagulls tend to be a nuisance, they are also beautiful birds if you can look beyond the nuisance factor.
Susan, I am very glad you found my blog, thank you for visiting and for your comments. I especially like the goofy image too.
Great post. I think the analogy of the iconic scene of the Titanic is hilarious!
Thanks Maria, I giggle about this image and the iconic scene from the Titanic.
Dave Sparks hits the nail on the head! I know I will be intrigued, amused, awed, or moved to pause and reflect by your pictures and text! Thanks Mia!
Thank you so much Fern.
Beautiful.
Thank you for your comment Bob.
I love this post!
Thanks Beverly!
It takes a discerning eye to envision the beauty that could emerge from a gull bathing in a puddle of water on a dirt road. That partially accounts for the number of avid followers of your blog.
Thank you Dave.