Thursday, April 29, 2010

Immaculate Plumage

They may be commonplace but you have to admit that black-headed gulls look pretty slick when they're decked out in full-breeding plumage. Mind you, when they open their beaks and let loose a volley of abuse at a near neighbour, the cacophony can make you wince... 

14 comments:

  1. I think that just about sums up most peoples opinions on Black-headed Gulls. It's the noise they make that agitates. Going back to Norfolk, i was standing at Cley Marshes and about 200 Brent Geese came down, but the noise they made was relatively pleasant compared to what you would get with the same number of Greylags. I think the backing track to some birds can influence your opinion of them
    John

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  2. I know some girls like that. Superb shots.

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  3. Not one of my favourite birds, Phil, because I think they're noisy and take over sites at the expense of other birds. Nonetheless, they are rather handsome.

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  4. He's gorgeous! Lovely shots!
    So far have only seen them in unfinished plumage and haven't heard them.
    If the Ruccus is nearly as annoying as the Spur-winged Plover,..., I know what you mean then though ;)

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  5. Lol at Adrian! The feather marking is just perfect..... you'd think it had been painted on. :)

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  6. Couple of cracking shots Phil. They are handsome in their breeding plumage. Noisy? Yea, but I still love 'em.

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  7. I know exactly what you mean John, the soounds of some birds just seem to be part of the spirit of the place - curlews and moorland, dippersn and fast upland streams....

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  8. Thanks Adrian, I think this one was a bit of a poser..

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  9. Reminds me of those painted porcelaine bird models you can buy, Lesley

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  10. Noisy and rude Keith - it's sticking its tongue out at the photographer...

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  11. A beautiful bird to look at, in flight too. As you say, noisy!

    I had managed to lose the link to your blogs, but now have it firmly bookmarked. Good to see your pictures again.

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  12. Welcome back Toffeeapple - and thanks for visiting

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  13. a perfect title for that first photo; besides the white of its body, it looks like it even wears the shawl over its head! but boy, that second photo falls closer to the catholic school angry nun image!

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  14. Hi Zoe, Love the comparison with the angry nun!

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