Calling Laughing Gull in breeding plumageCalling Laughing Gull in breeding plumage – Nikon D200, handheld, f14, 1/350, ISO 200, Nikkor 80-400mm at 185mm, natural light, not baited

They might be called Laughing Gulls because of the sounds they make which is a ha-ha-ha-ha, you can listen to the call here. Laughing Gulls are quite noisy when they are in a flock but I never minded listening to them, in fact they often made me laugh. This Laughing Gull was photographed on Fort De Soto County Park’s north beach, the sand had been piled up to fortify the feet of the lifeguard tower.  This bird is in breeding plumage, look at the huge opening of the bill!

Laughing Gull calling because of an "intruder"Laughing Gull calling because of an “intruder” – Nikon D200, handheld, f6.3, 1/750, ISO 200, Nikkor 80-400mm at 300mm, natural light, not baited

This Laughing Gull was also photographed at Fort De Soto but it was just going into breeding plumage, it wasn’t happy that another gull landed near it and was letting that be known quite loudly!

Maybe they aren’t called Laughing Gulls because of their calls but it sure makes the most sense to me!

Mia

*I am away and most likely enjoying myself in the great outdoors, please feel free to share this post with your friends and family.