Ring-billed Gulls (Larus delawarensis)

Although some of the gulls floated in a spiral across the lake, most congregated in a couple of tight groups. One group had gathered on the ice that had formed at the dam during the long, cold spell. The ice was melting but there was still a thin layer that was either ‘dry’ or covered with a layer of water. We sat on the top of the dam and watched them for a long time.

They would stand together and were skittish so we couldn’t get too close. Occasionally a few would take off, fly in a wide arc over this end of the lake and land again.

Some flapped their wings.

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Others – juveniles and adults - just stood around enjoying the sun.
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Identification resources:
- Sibley, AD. 2000. National Audobon Society The Sibley Guide to Birds. p. 214. Alfred A Knopf, New York. ISBN 0-679-45122-6
- The Cornell Institute of Ornithology - All About Birds: Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis)

Related posts:
- Marburg Creek Reservoir: Fort Yargo State Park
- Zen: A Spiral Of Gulls