Great Black-backed Gull (adults and chicks)

Description:

This impressive and stocky bird is the largest member of the gull family, with with a 1.5–1.7 m (4 ft 10 in–5 ft 7 in) wingspan and a body weight of 0.75–2.3 kg (1.7–5.1 lb). In Iceland they are most commonly found along the South coast. Do not miss the spotted chicks in the last shots!

Habitat:

Coastal cliffs and moorland surrounded by glacial black sand dunes (sandar), at Ingólfshöfði.

Notes:

This species can be confused with the lesser black-backed gull; they can be be distinguished by the pink legs, a deeper black and the clear white spotting of the wings tips on the great black-backed gull. Great Black-backed gulls are opportunistic feeders, and often hunt and kill any prey smaller than themselves, explaining the blood staining on the first bird. Breeding pairs are devoted parents, taking shifts brooding the young, defending the nest and gathering food. In the last 2 shots they clearly signal that the photographer is not welcome any closer. Shot at the long end of a 150-500mm zoom.