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Kelp Gull (1 Viewer)

Lanhua

Well-known member
Last May in Cape Town, I've photographed Kelp Gulls and I saw a behavior which was a very surprising to me. Does somebody know why the birds do it.
On my pictures are to see juvenile bird, but the same I do adult birds as well.

Thanks for explanation
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Mietek
 
Hello,
I just wanted to write, that your great pictures are proof of modern, fast autofocus, high-speed burst rates and a skilled photographer behind the camera, but then I found this:

Didnt know this before.
 
Kelp gulls are predated on by sharks as they feed/rest on the surface of the ocean.This behaviour could be how they get a better field of view for potential threats as they fly above the surface of the ocean.
 
Kelp gulls are predated on by sharks as they feed/rest on the surface of the ocean.This behaviour could be how they get a better field of view for potential threats as they fly above the surface of the ocean.
No; this is simply something that they do when flying off after an extensive wash.
I've noticed this behaviour in several gull species in different countries, even in landlocked ones like Armenia (see example attached).
I've seen it in harbours, on shallow ponds and on inland lakes.
As Pianoman said above, the head shaking is just to shake off water drops.
You can actually see the drops in a few of the photos attached.

Attachments:
  • Armenian Gull, Lake Sevan, Armenia
  • Heermann's Gull, 3rd cycle and adult, Monterey, California
  • Kumlien's Gull, Newfoundland, Canada

I have more examples and might add them when I come across them on my hard drives.
 

Attachments

  • KumliensGull_ad_Newfoundland_20130202_025.JPG
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  • HeermannsGull_ad_Monterey_CA_20110129_037.JPG
    HeermannsGull_ad_Monterey_CA_20110129_037.JPG
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  • HeermannsGull_3c_Monterey_CA_20110129_017.JPG
    HeermannsGull_3c_Monterey_CA_20110129_017.JPG
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  • ArmenianGull_(near)ad_Sevan_Armenia_20130606_204.JPG
    ArmenianGull_(near)ad_Sevan_Armenia_20130606_204.JPG
    371.1 KB · Views: 8
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