Ring-billed Gull preening

[pauraque]

While on a walk by Lake Champlain I took a series of pictures of a Ring-billed Gull enjoying a good preen.















Ring-billed are our most common gull here. The namesake black ring around the bill is distinctive. This is an adult, with the gray mottling on the head indicating it's finished breeding for the year and has molted into winter plumage.

Here's a wider view of its hangout spot:

Comments

[jesse_the_k]

You’ve captured the fussy joy found in a thorough preen!

(there are many days when #2 is my high point for the day. Can I icon (with credit of course)?

[pauraque]

Go for it!

[jesse_the_k]

Thanks so much!

[turlough]

Such a handsome fellow and great photos!

[pauraque]

Thanks!

[miaxeno]

What a pretty bird, great photos.

[pauraque]

Thank you!

[katherine]

Lovely!

[pauraque]

Thanks!

[sparowe]

Handsome! :)

[pauraque]

Very!

[yourlibrarian]

Fun to see the whole process (and where it's hanging out)

[pauraque]

Yeah, it was fun to watch!

[signoftea]

Beautiful pictures!

[pauraque]

Thank you!

[zenigotchas]

That bird is truly adora-gull. (❀❛ ֊ ❛„)♡

[pauraque]

Haha, good one!

[adafrog]

Neat, thanks.

[pauraque]

:)

[full_metal_ox]

Gulls aren’t often associated with Noble Hood Ornament poses, but your Poster Bird makes a handsome one at second from bottom.

[pauraque]

Ha, yes!

[shirebound]

These pics are wonderful! It's the simple pleasures in life -- like preening -- that truly matter.

[pauraque]

So true!

[egret]

Thank you so much for sharing these! I love gulls!

[pauraque]

Me too! They are underrated birds.

[scintilla10]

Love these photos! What a beautiful bird and a beautiful moment to capture.

[pauraque]

Thanks!