Hello folks who wonder if waffles are just pancakes with abs,

Last post, we covered Morris, who is a Northern Gannet. Morris had borrowed some money from the Mafia and then lost it all in a poker tournament. He is now seeking refuge at the Farallon Islands in order to avoid the wrath of the mob bosses. It's possible that this version of events is not entirely true, but I seem to prefer this version. Below is Morris, shaking its head in disbelief at the decision to use the money borrowed from the mafia to play poker.

The mafia doesn’t just lend money; they lend fear.

One of the most striking residents of the island is the Western Gull. These large birds are recognizable thanks to their: 

  • Distinctive Bill: They have a thick, heavy yellow bill with a red spot near the tip. 
  • Unique Legs: Their pink legs set them apart from other gull species.
  • Habitats: Coastal and nearshore habitats, landfills, Oracle Park
I understand that some readers may quip "they are all just seagulls in the end, it doesn't matter", but I thought I would point out the differences for people who might be interested.

How Gull-ible can one get?

During my visit to the Farallon Islands earlier this year, I observed Western Gulls actively establishing and defending their territories as part of their breeding season. This process involved a lot of loud calls to mark their territory and elaborate courtship displays.

While Western Gulls may seem fierce, much like the Dothraki from the Game of Thrones series, they reveal a gentler side when bonding with their partners or caring for their young. I managed to capture a moment when they let their guard down.

Aww.. so romantic. Made for each other 🫶

Just like humans, they may experience doubts when considering whether they have enough financial resources to start a family or just struggle with performance issues. Could you please stop judging? Thanks.

Getting cold feet wing there, bud?

Just like the Dothraki, they will fiercely defend themselves against any competition. They are particularly protective of their space and the resources they need to build their nests. However, because everyone is in such close proximity, conflicts can arise when it comes to gathering nesting materials. That's when the real drama begins.

And that is how it starts...

A minor dispute can quickly escalate into a full-scale conflict.

Stop escalating the situation, will you?

Now it descends into outright brutality.

Settle down, you two. Let's take a break and calm down

On the lawless island, there is no written code - but its inhabitants always find a way to dispense justice in their own way. Here is one gull grabbing the intruder by its beak to stop it from flying away.

Why can't we all just smoke a joint and wish for peace in the world?

When you take a walk around the island, it becomes clear why competition for resources is so intense among its gulls. Here is a look at them at night.

I’m curious how they manage to fall asleep at night without a Netflix subscription.

In the next post, we'll take a closer look at some other fascinating inhabitants on these islands that are not birds.

Are they Unicorns, Mountain Lions, Chupacabra or even the trusty Bigfoot? Read the next post and find out.

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