Winter Ring-billed Gull getting a sip of water – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Last week I was just as excited to take Ring-billed Gull images as I was to take photos of a delightful Horned Grebe on the marsh at Bear River MBR.
Why?
Because I love gulls. I appreciate how beautiful gulls are. I like how feisty gulls can be. I love to observe them as I learn more about gulls.
Ring-billed Gulls are year round residents in northern Utah along with our state bird, the California Gull.
Ring-billed Gull standing on a thin ice shelf – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/3200, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The day I took these Ring-billed Gull images it was chilly, clear, and the inversion from last week had not yet reached the refuge. With open water right next to shelves of ice when the gulls stood on the edge of the ice shelf I could see some nice reflections on the calm water.
I didn’t notice the out of focus gull in the background when I took this photo and I wish it hadn’t been in the frame but it was there and I wasn’t going to remove it in post processing. That just isn’t how I do things.
Winter Ring-billed Gull paddling through calm water – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
What I liked about this Ring-billed Gull image was the tiny bow wave in front of the gull as it paddled through the calm water.
Ring-billed Gull looking down at icy water – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
This last photo appealed to me because it appeared as if the Ring-billed Gull was looking at its own reflection in the water. The gull probably wasn’t looking it its reflection at all but I enjoyed thinking that it was.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Ring-billed Gull photos plus facts and information about this species.
I actually like the photobombing gull shot. The fuzzy gull at the top echos the rippled reflection beautifully. And I agree, the gull in the last shot is definitely scrutinizing his image — “Are any feathers out of place? No. Not a one.” 😉
Beautiful captures of an underestimated species. The California gull is your state bird? Colour me confused.
Their light eye is so piercing.
Hi sweetie! I enjoyed our talk last nite about different Sea Gulls! Thanks for sharing details about this one! Great shooting! The detail of the Gull is so interesting! Have a great day!
Love em all!!
Your first gull shot looks like the gull is giving a thumbs up behind his back. Lovely.