More Bonaparte's Gull shots.

[ngannet]

One of the cutest little gulls. I really like the plumage of the 1st year bird. Hard as hell to get flight shots as they constantly move and are unpredictable, diving down right in front of you. At times I was too close to get the whole bird in the frame. Other times, too far. These are the best I could get.

http://www.pbase.com/ngannet/image/73046297.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/ngannet/image/73046305.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/ngannet/image/73046330.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/ngannet/image/73046334.jpg

[downywp]

The flight shots are great but I just love the 1st shot, the plummage on this young bird is beautiful and your picture shows the plummage beautifully! :)

[ngannet]

Thank you very much for you comments. I agree, I really love the plumage on this bird. One of my favorite birds.

[Zipline]

Great shots! I have some pictures of these birds as well, but to be honest with you I had no idea what they were! I'll have to try to find them so you can see. I think we pretty much have the same 'taste' in birds. Marine wildlife is my favorite to photograph. :)

[ngannet]

Thanks Mandy! I'd love to see your shots. We sure seem to have the same taste in birds! Something about birds over the ocean is just so tranquil and amazing to watch. There are several gulls that resemble this 1st year Bonaparte's Gull. Most have the dark M pattern to the upper wings. Black-legged Kittiwake, Little Gull, Ross's Gull and Black-headed Gull all are somewhat similar with striking plumage. I really want to get out on a pelagic trip soon to see some marine birds and (hopefully) whales.

[sam walker]

great shots gannet I liked #3 best. These little dudes are a blast to watch in Winter I really thought they were terns when I found a flock a few years back The calls and the constant diving re-launching and diving for lake minnows was a sight. They are only migrants here. I see them again in Spring with the ear spot gone and an all black head. Real handsome little gulls.Thanx for your pics.
Sam

[canonloader]

Beautiful birds.

Wait a minute. You mean I'm going to have to learn these birds all over again this summer? :(

[ngannet]

Thanks all. Sam, yep, they are lots of fun to watch. They really do act like terns and flap constantly. They were squeaking in a really high pitched voice, cute! They are migrants here as well. Canonloader: Haha, good one! Yeah, as if birds aren't confusing enough already. They can't just find a plumage they like and stick with it!