Ring-billed Gull and snow covered mountains – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/3200, ISO 640, +1.0 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I photographed this Ring-billed Gull in flight at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge on New Year’s Day on the west side of the auto tour loop. There were gulls and ravens resting on the ice and several gulls in flight over some open water. I could not resist taking images of the gulls with the snow covered Promontory Mountains in the background and this image makes me glad I didn’t think “they are just gulls”.
The winter light on the white snow and the Ring-billed Gull in flight combine to create what I think is a visually appealing image. This is a common bird that can be uncommonly beautiful and I’m happy to have this image taken at OUR refuge in my portfolio.
Today I want to express my concern for the safety of the staff at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, the people of the towns nearby and for the government officials that have to deal with and remove the patriots militia utterly disgusting armed thugs that have illegally and forcibly taken over the refuge headquarters and the refuge.
Their earlier peaceful protest in town was legal. Taking over the refuge is not.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Ring-billed Gull photos plus facts and information about this species.
Please check my comment to Ron…
Thanks for the beautiful image. Why don’t these guys try working within the law?
Lovely photo, Mia, and good luck with your concerns. Happy New Year!
Thanks for the beautiful image. Ugh on the militia. I love Malheur Wildlife Refuge..incredibly magical place. I feel for all the people, plants, and animals that have to deal with crazy, armed idiots.
Molly, I hope to one day see Malheur NWR, I should have gone there when I lived in Oregon. I’m sorry now that I didn’t.
Thanks for your comment on my image.
The ordinary birds have extraordinary beauty for those who open their eyes. Thank you.
Hiss and spit on the thuggery. The self-entitled, self-righteous thuggery.
Thank you EC.
Bob, I love gulls too, they are beautiful.
I hope there is not another Waco. These guys sound like they are itching to fight.
I have been to Malheur NWR and the small towns nearby. I hope all this ends peacefully and the “militia men” get their due.
Deedee, I think I remember seeing some of your images from the Malheur NWR. I hope no lives are lost and that the armed intruders of our public land see justice.
Well, there’s an image I won’t be getting here in Florida! 🙂
That backdrop turns a beautiful gull into something spectacular!
Thanks Wally. True, I don’t think you will have snow or mountains in the background of your Florida images!
I am in agreement, Mia. They say in times of fear, society swings right. I worry that the same will happen in Europe but then again, the pendulum always swings both ways. This too shall pass. There will always be the wackos and because they choose not to obey the law, they will always find those that support them in their disobedience. Your postings and images always offer a nice escape, Mia. Everything matters in this universe, parts of an intricate puzzle. Your gull is gorgeous, flying, not worried about the crazies of the world. Happy New Year. 🙂
Thanks for the comment Cindy. I think my gull image is peaceful but what is going on in Oregon is anything but.
Great Photo Mia.
I too am concerned about the safely of others in that area. I agree with HummingBird Lover.. If we don’t hit one of these groups really hard.. they will continue to think they can get away with terrorizing areas. We need the military in there, arrest them , lock them up and throw away the key.
Thank you Stu.
I don’t want to see any lives lost but the time to end this type of activity has arrived. These people need to be arrested, tried and thrown in jail.
HI! Why has our government not done something about all the take overs? Shootings in malls and everywhere else,too? NO Terrorism groups in our Untied States? They are building up all over this country? Nip it in the bud and lock them all up for years and years? Deport them to their own roots!
Sorry ! I am proud to be a American and want to save our country! your photo’s are always so great! Keep up the good work!
Mom, they need to be arrested, tried and thrown in jail.
Love you
Beautiful photo Mia.
Love the Gulls, see lots of them around here.
Pray there is not another Waco at Malheur