A seagull, is a seagull is a seagull is a shorebird. Often raucous and bothersome to people, they are a welcome friend in flocks of other shorebirds, and are native gleaner-cleaners along the surf of the Long Beach Peninsula.
Determined not to just call them generic gulls, I took many shots of those I encountered, and then studied bird guidebooks to identify the specific species. What a journey in circles I entered! In the photo above there are four gulls that look similar, one that is smaller, and the two on the log have different feather colors and beaks. All are Western Seafulls.
Little did I know when I started this quest that, much like Bald Eagles, Western Seagulls transition to adult plumage (and beaks) over four years. The three above are all immature. They have the characteristic pink legs, large black beaks and mottled feathers with dark tails.
This bird is close to adulthood. Its black beak is gradually turning to the yellow-orange it will be when it matures.
A mature Western Seagull sporting its bright yellow-orange beak with a teardrop of red on the underside of the bill, dark eyes and pink legs. Its breast feathers are now almost pure white.
Lindy Low LeCoq 
Great photos. Monogamy, OMG!
Surprising isn’t it!
And to think, I thought they just ransacked picnic baskets. lol. This was interesting. Poor birds never get enough love. Had no idea they lived so long. Donna
Well, I must agree – Seagulls can be very aggressive and aggravating! When they are at surfs edge however, they are an integral part of the ecosystem.
Yes…
Wonderful photos and background information on the seagull. I had no idea they lived that long and mated for life. 😀.
Thank you, Patti. The more I study birds, the more respect I hold for them!
Loved this Lindy – we have all of these birds here on Kiawah and I often wonder which is which! Loved the mated pair and had no idea they mated for life. Very cool!
Thank you, Tina. Learning about birds (beyond “it’s a gull”!) has been a wonderful way to stay mentally active and a great excuse to take lots of photos in nature!