Calling Ring-billed Gull portrait – Nikon D500, f10, 1/1250, ISO 800, +2.0 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Late last month I had the opportunity to take portraits of a calling Ring-billed Gull while I was looking for birds at Farmington Bay WMA. I know, I know, some people will drive right past gulls and not photograph them. That isn’t me, it is not who I am or the path that I want to take when it comes to photographing birds. I like gulls, I guess you could even say that I love them.
Yes, they can be noisy, messy or even aggressive. Some of their aggressive behavior is the fault of humans feeding them which means the gulls become used to handouts and come to expect them. Gulls are larger than the songbirds some people take pride in training them to feed from their hands. That isn’t a good idea with gulls because they are bigger and highly competitive when it comes to food.
Calling Ring-billed Gull showing its tongue – Nikon D500, f10, 1/1250, ISO 800, +2.0 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Back to the calling Ring-billed Gull
The image shows the bright orange gape of this Ring-billed Gull. It also shows the plate on the upper mandible with backward angled projections which helps the gull swallow live prey and its tongue.
I’ve always found it surprising how gulls can open their bills as wide as they do. Sometimes looking at a photo like the one above makes my jaw ache! People simply can’t open their mouths as wide as a gull can open their bills.
I enjoyed being able to take these close up photos of this Ring-billed Gull.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Ring-billed Gull photos plus facts and information about this species.
Even though I know birds have tongues [most notably – hummingbirds]…I never think about it until I see pics like these. Interesting shots and commentary. Thanks Mia.
I imagined him singing Opera! Lol
Once on Anclote Park Beach I saw a gull swallowing a fish that seemed as big as he was. I thought he surely wouldn’t get it down. I looked away and the gull had to have flown off. They are remarkable birds.
I always love your portraits.
I’m a fan of gulls too. They are such attractive birds. Even the insides of their mouths are pretty.
That is a beautiful shot!