Herring Gull Update

Sadly it looks as though one of the herring gull chicks hasn't survived. I could see two chicks this morning, huddled up against the cold and damp.

I went back at lunchtime and the two chicks had moved to the side of the roof, still sheltering from the unseasonal weather.

A closer look at the nest revealed the third chick. 🙁

When I returned about 45 minutes later it was still prone, and there was no response when the adults arrived with food. So fairly conclusive I think. The other two chicks appear to be doing well and were encouraging the adult to regurgitate their lunch! Sandwiches today.

A quick stroll to walk off the food…

And then settle down until it's time for the next meal. There's a lot of feather-growing to do, and preserving energy is important.

Finally, a quick photo of Shutterbug from this evening. He appeared briefly, along with a cub which immediately high-tailed back under cover. He's looking a little skinny at the moment, possibly due to a moult, but his brush isn't looking in great shape either. It's been a bit ragged for the past two or three weeks. No other worrying signs yet, so just something to keep an eye on. It would help if his visits were a little more frequent, but you can never really predict what a fox will do.

Nature Blog Network
Camera note: all shots taken with the Canon 7D and EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L USM IS lens, except for the fox which was photographed with the EF70-300mm 4.5-5.6 DO IS lens.

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This Post Has 10 Comments

  1. gdare

    22 Jun 2011

    Too bad a third chick has died but hey, that`s nature. Only strongest survive :left:

  2. Words

    22 Jun 2011

    Darko, yes it's the way of nature. The others are doing great!

  3. Dudley

    23 Jun 2011

    Knowing that gulls eat anything…I hope it's not regurgitated Cheetos :yikes: Come to think of it….regurgitated :yuck:

  4. Words

    23 Jun 2011

    Erwin, thanks!

  5. Words

    23 Jun 2011

    And, no definitely not Cheetos. :yuck:

  6. anonymous

    26 Jun 2011

    Alan writes:

    I love seagulls and I get annoyed when people bad-mouth them.

  7. Words

    26 Jun 2011

    Alan, I agree. They're magnificent birds.

  8. SittingFox

    26 Jun 2011

    The survivors do look like they're handling the world well. Fine birds, though strong personalities :right:

  9. Words

    28 Jun 2011

    Adele, I like the term 'strong personalities'. It suits them well.

  10. Wulpen

    19 Oct 2012

    Lovely Pict

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