California Gull In Winter Plumage

While I was at my local pond three days ago, I was happy to photograph this California Gull in winter plumage that had just landed on the water.

Adult California Gull in winter plumage – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f7.1, 1/3200, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

It had been a while since I had a California Gull in my viewfinder. I like gulls. Whether they are in flight, feeding, bathing, sleeping, or squabbling with each other, I think gulls are great subjects to photograph.

One bit of advice I often give to new photographers who are trying to expand their ‘birds in flight’ skills is to find some gulls to practice on. Part of the reason I give that advice is that gulls are found across the country, and they often aren’t as skittish as some other birds.

In addition to that, I think gulls are beautiful birds and they are fun to photograph.

California Gull lifting off from a pond – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f7.1, 1/3200, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

I was focused on this gull when it started to lift off from the surface of my local pond. From this photo alone, you might think that the gull was looking at me as it lifted off.

California Gull taking flight in December – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f7.1, 1/3200, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

But outside of these last two frames was the reason why this gull took flight. What we can’t see in my photos is a Ring-billed Gull that was about to dive-bomb this California Gull. The Ring-billed Gull seemed really bothered that the California Gull was in its space and chased it away from the pond.

Through my lens, I get to see so many interesting avian behaviors. I love what I do.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my California Gull photos plus facts and information about this species.