The Gull Show, March 5

 

I had been thirsty for Nantucket, so as soon as we got back to Sconset , I grabbed my binoculars and headed to the beach. With winds from the west, walking south  was in the lee, the sea was calm and gulls fed along the shore where the red seaweed washed.  In addition to the usual herring and  greater-black backed gulls,  I was treated to glaucous and  bonaparte gulls.  The little "bonies"  are favorites.

Glaucous Gull

Glaucous Gull

Bonaparte Gulls

Bonaparte Gulls

The glaucous gull had been eating a dead northern gannet on the beach,  along with seven turkey vultures and a few crows.  Winter culls the weak on this Atlantic coast.