Western Gull

Description:

Identifying marks of a Western is the large size of the bird, it's pink legs and darker grey mantle color. Adult white parts stay white even in winter months. The bill is larger then some gulls, and where the red spot on the lower bill, is more swollen in shape. The color of the bill is light orange. The black tail has the look of 4 spots. Though it lives from 15 to 25 years, it takes 4 years for them to reach adult plumage. Third image shows the Western about just over the 2nd year.

Habitat:

Found mostly along the coastline, rocky islands and in bays. Though this one was found inland the lake is close to the bay. The lake is controlled by the tides and contains mussels and clams.

Notes:

You can watch as the gulls carry their food up and dropped on the pavement to try to crack open the shells.