Image of Ring-billed Gull

Description:

At Lake Arlington the Ring Bills have returned as they have nearly every year that I am aware of. I love seeing them on the piers and the shoreline. Some will even go into the water. The Winter Migration is in full swing and is coming to a close. The Ring- Billed Gull is so named for the little black band around it's beak. In the winter all the individuals are spotted with brown dotted plumage and in breeding season for those who are mature will be snow white without brown. These gulls aren't that big but are a good size. They have quite a wingspan and have black tips on the primary wings. These gulls have an interesting call too that sounds like a baby crying to a harsher tone. They are often seen at the lake in the air or on the railing. In high winds they love to ride the air currents and hover above the parking lots. These are one of my favorite winter time visitors but many people don't like them but I find gulls very interesting. I like terns too.