Late post today. Sorry. Enjoying the sunshine.
By the time we finished our walks, the sun had risen from behind the hills to the east and the sunshine was bright. It stayed that way all day until the fog rolled in starting at 5 PM.. In the morning we visited four of our favorite spots. Great sun for gleaming ocean photos. About the calmest ocean we’ve ever seen in Depoe Bay, so no crashing, thundering waves today. We see dozens of whales every day. It is almost impossible to get a photo, since all you really see is the whale spout as it surfaces, then maybe his back as he rolls over, and may a fin as he dives. The eagles who lived nearby last year are apparently gone. We haven’t seen them. Lots less sea gulls than usual. Lots more pelicans than usual. The usual amount of seals.
Today’s Learning Experience – Seagulls
Among the most tenacious and clever foragers on the planet (or as I call them, flying rats), the seagull is a family of birds that lives near the coast. There are more than 50 documented species found all over the world. The most common species you’re probably familiar with are the European herring gull and the American herring gull, but there’s plenty of diversity across the entire family. This article will cover some interesting facts about the appearance, behavior, and diet of the seagull.
Seagulls do share some superficial resemblance with an eagle, including a large body and hooked bill, but gulls are generally not considered to be birds of prey. They are more closely related to auks, plovers, and other shorebirds, whereas eagles are related to kites and vultures.
3 Incredible Seagull Fact
1) The seagull is considered to be among the most intelligent birds in the world. Some gulls will drop a mollusk shell onto a rock to break it open. Others have been observed baiting fish with bread. One of the most amazing facts is that they can remember new foraging strategies and pass them down to the next generation of gulls.
2) Unlike most animals, the seagull can drink both freshwater and saltwater. A specialized gland right above the eyes can collect and then flush out the salt right through the nostrils.
3) Seagulls have a small claw halfway up the lower leg that allows them to roost on high ledges without falling off.
Now it’s picture time (Click on the galleries below to bring up scrollable windows with full size pictures – the gallery previews may show just thumbnails of the pictures.)
Otter Creek Bridge
Cape Foulweather
Cape Foulweather was discovered and named by Captain Cook during a raging blizzard, today the weather was anything but fowl.
Otter Rock Beach
Boiler Bay
Dinner was at the Bay House, one of four Oregon AAA four diamond restaurants. Alas, I forgot my camera and my phone, so no pictures. Fear not as we return there next Thursday night for an encore. The food was wonderful. We both had duck (Smoked Muscovy Duck, Black Lentils, Crisp Brussels Sprout, Parsnip, Carrot-Cardamom Purée). Elaine started with the date appetizer (Bleu Cheese, Roasted Eggplant-Quinoa Salad, Mango Tuile, Hummus Vinaigrette) while I had rockfish over risotto. Elaine had lemon tart for dessert while I feasted on three delicious ice creams.
As always love your posts! Great info te seagulls!!
We are in Skytop Pa at Skytop Resort – one of Americas historic hotels – stunning and has 5800 acres of land – golf hunting axe throwing 5 fabulous restaurants water falls hiking in Pokonos – great 5 days with Russ’s cousins – Gladys and Dick!!
Enjoy!
Gorgeous ocean pics. Also loved the montage of Depoe Bay signs in a prior post. Keep on clickin’.
J
Just so very beautiful. All of it. I had no idea that I knew so little about seagulls. Now I know it all!