Tag Archives: Laughing Gull

Laughing Gulls: The Chase Is On

They were too far away for me to really see what this pair of Laughing Gulls was doing, but from the intense pursuit food seemed the likely inspiration.

Laughing Gulls, One With Food
Laughing Gulls, One With Food

They put on quite an acrobatic show.

Laughing Gulls, One With Food
Laughing Gulls, One With Food

Flying upside down, and hanging onto the fish…

Laughing Gulls, One With Food
Laughing Gulls, One With Food

They kept on moving, beyond where I could photograph them. I’m not sure either one got a meal out of their adventure.

Laughing Gulls, One With Food
Laughing Gulls, One With Food

Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
September 14, 2022

Bird Chaos at Bird Key

Hundreds of birds nested on Bird Key this summer and the land and sky were full of activity on this July day.

Bird Key Stono Heritage Preserve
Bird Key Stono Heritage Preserve

Most of the birds on land seen here are Brown Pelicans, the smaller white ones are chicks. The chicks were awkwardly walking, but not yet flying.  There were lots of Laughing Gulls that provided constant noise, and a few White Ibis mixed in.

Bird Key Stono Heritage Preserve
Bird Key Stono Heritage Preserve

On the outer edge of the island, the open Atlantic Ocean beyond, a sand bar has formed that was popular spot for preening.

Bird Key Stono Heritage Preserve
Bird Key Stono Heritage Preserve

Taken from a boat at Bird Key Stono Heritage Preserve
Between Kiawah Island and Folly Beach, SC

July 12, 2021

Two Against One

The Cormorant was swimming low in the water with his catch, probably a crab based on the parts you can see sticking out in a couple of the images.

Cormorant Dive-bombed by Laughing Gull
Cormorant Dive-bombed by Laughing Gull

Alas, a Laughing Gull spotted him and dropped in for a closer look.

Cormorant Dive-bombed by Laughing Gull
Cormorant Dive-bombed by Laughing Gull

The Cormarant dodged the gull and kept his prize.

Cormorant Dive-bombed by Laughing Gull
Cormorant Dive-bombed by Laughing Gull

The gull rose up a for another try.

Cormorant Dive-bombed by Laughing Gull
Cormorant Dive-bombed by Laughing Gull

Attracted by the activity a second gull joined in the harrassment.

Cormorant Dive-bombed by Laughing Gulls
Cormorant Dive-bombed by Laughing Gulls

The Cormarant dodged the interlopers and swallowed his lunch before the gulls re-grouped.

Cormorant Dive-bombed by Laughing Gull
Cormorant Dive-bombed by Laughing Gull

Click on any photo for a larger view of the action.