Pigeon Guillemots & Gull Wars

THIS IS NOT A CONDOR EXPRESS TRIP, but ocean lovers might find it educational. A trip along the coast for Pigeon Guillemot nests and Gull Wars...natural selection in action.

Pigeon Guillemot (Cepphas columba) calling for its mate at entrance to the nesting site. The nest was approximately 10 meters above sea level on a rock outcropping that was detached from the mainland with its base in the intertidal zone.
Cepphus columba nests 2010 Shell Beach 006
Nine Pigeon Guillemots (Cepphas columba) rafting just off the beach.
Cepphus columba group water 2010 Shell Beach 011
Two Pigeon Guillemots (Cepphas columba) at nest site.
Cepphus columba nests 2010 Shell Beach 008
Pigeon Guillemot (Cepphas columba) at entrance to nesting site.
Cepphus columba nests 2010 Shell Beach 003
Pigeon Guillemot (Cepphas columba) at entrance to nesting site.
Cepphus columba nests 2010 Shell Beach 002
Two Pigeon Guillemot (Cepphas columba) at nesting site.
Cepphus columba nests 2010 Shell Beach 009
Two Pigeon Guillemots (Cepphas columba) at nest site (one bird is behind the other)
Cepphus columba nests 2010 Shell Beach 015
A male and a femail Pigeon Guillemot (Cepphas columba) at nest.
Cepphus columba nests 2010 Shell Beach 029
Pigeon Guillemot (Cepphas columba) at entrance to nesting site.
Cepphus columba nests 2010 Shell Beach 025
Pigeon Guillemot (Cepphas columba) at entrance to nesting site.
Cepphus columba nests 2010 Shell Beach 028
Two Pigeon Guillemots (Cepphas columba) at nest. The bird on the left has just returned to the site.
Cepphus columba nest 2010 Shell Beach 264
Pigeon Guillemot (Cepphas columba) at entrance to nesting site.
Cepphus columba nests 2010 Shell Beach 024
A Pacific Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina) uses its upper body strength to pull itself up onto the hauling grounds. Whodathunk?
Phoca vitulina climbs haul ledge SEQ 2010 Shell Beach 010
The story begins with two key players: first, a very young Western Gull (Larus occidentalis) that has not yet developed the ability to fly.
Larus occidentalis juvenile 2010 Shell Beach 001
The story begins with two key players: second, we have an adult Western Gull (Larus occidentalis) keeping a close eye on the territory.
Larus occidentalis head CLOSE 2010 Shell Beach 003
The attack sequence begins as an adult Western Gull (Larus occidentalis) grabs the juvenile by the wing in the intertidal zone.
Larus occidentalis adult attacks juvenile 2010 Shell Beach 015
The attack continues as the adult repeatedly bites the young gull and tries to hold its head underwater.
Larus occidentalis adult attacks juvenile 2010 Shell Beach 038
The attack continues...
Larus occidentalis adult attacks juvenile 2010 Shell Beach 037
Here the adult Western Gull (Larus occidentalis) grabs the juvenile by the head and tries to drown it.
Larus occidentalis adult attacks juvenile 2010 Shell Beach 036
Biting the neck, head held down underwater.
Larus occidentalis adult attacks juvenile 2010 Shell Beach 063
The juvenile escapes, but not for long.
Larus occidentalis adult attacks juvenile 2010 Shell Beach 045
More biting.
Larus occidentalis adult attacks juvenile 2010 Shell Beach 049
Close look at adult holding juvenile gull's head underwater.
Larus occidentalis adult attacks juvenile 2010 Shell Beach 055
More biting....
Larus occidentalis adult attacks juvenile 2010 Shell Beach 051
Neck bite...
Larus occidentalis adult attacks juvenile 2010 Shell Beach 052
Wounded young gull sits on a rock after its mother chased away the attacker.
Larus occidentalis juvenile attack 2010 Shell Beach 002
Mother and wounded juvenile swim together after the attack.
Larus occidentalis juvenile mother attack 2010 Shell Beach 017

© Robert Perry

Mr.Zalophus@gmail.com Please click on the sea lion head logo above to go to my MarineBioPhotography website.

Pigeon Guillemots & Gull Wars