Flight of a California Gull in winter – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/8000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
Last week I spent the morning at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge and early in the day I photographed a Barn Owl for about 15 minutes then later, on the west side of the auto tour loop, I spent a long time photographing several species of gulls fishing and flying over a patch of open water.
Ring-billed and California Gulls are the typical gulls I find in Utah so it wasn’t much of a surprise to find this California Gull at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge.
The snow covered Promontory Mountains with just a sliver of blue sky at the top of the frame are visible in the background when the gull slowly flew towards the open water looking for prey. There were so many gulls in that relatively small area that I had a hard time tracking single birds to photograph as they flew in and scooped up small fish from the water.
I did come home with quite a few images of the gulls that I find appealing.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my California Gull photos plus facts and information about this species.
Love it.
I love this image of a gull…They can be pests at a beach, stealing food and anything that catches their eyes, but they are always beautiful, smart, interesting and fun. I especially like seeing a bunch of them wheeling over something, the sun behind them, shining through their feathers…this is a great detail shot.
Wonderful inflight image. The out of focus cloudy sky really makes the gull stand out.
Well, helloooo beautiful. Look at those little pointed flipper-ballet slippers.
Beautiful image, Mia.