Don’t be Gull-ible
Not all seabirds are seagulls. Know what you’re looking at, both offshore and in coastal waters.
Photo: Alan D. Wilson
Seabird Gallery—American Herring Gull
Many birds you see are seagulls. You’re probably familiar with the American herring gull (Larus smithsonianus), as it’s very common in coastal areas. Usually eyeing your sandwich.
Photo: John Roston
Seabird Gallery—Greater Black-Backed Gull
Aptly named, the greater black-backed gull (Larus marinus) is large and sports black wings. You’ll notice the difference every time now that we have pointed it out.
Photo: Mike Baird
Seabird Gallery—Sooty Shearwater
When you see these dark-brown birds offshore, you know you’re really cruising. Sooty shearwaters (Puffinus griseus) rarely touch land and we reap the benefits, because their graceful flights past our boats, with wingtips grazing the waves, are awe-inspiring, beautiful displays.
Photo: Matthias Meckel
Seabird Gallery—Puffin
There’s something about a group of puffins (
Fratercula arctica
) clinging to an island promontory that makes you want to root for the little guys. Adopt one through Project Puffin at
.
Photo: Nanda Ramesh
Seabird Gallery—Wilson’s Storm Petrel
Usually you will observe this tiny specimen way offshore, when you least want to utter the word storm. Wilson’s storm petrels Oceanites oceanicus) are most memorable for the way they dance on the water as they feed, their feet stepping on the surface film as though it were as solid as ice.
