I think I've identified this bird correctly as a young Herring gull in its first winter plumage. Black bill, pink legs, large-bodied, dark tail.
The ice on my car windshield late last week was a sign that we would not be in for good beach weather for a while. But the early part of this week has warmed up nicely, at least during the daylight hours.
It’s always cooler at the beach because of the breeze off the water, but I decided to go for an evening walk on Pass-a-Grille Beach, with a light jacket. There were quite a few gulls on the beach: a few Herrings, some Laughing gulls, a Ring-billed here and there, and an odd Royal tern or two.
I found this assortment of shells in less than a minute, without taking more than 3 steps.
There were more shells on the beach than usual; winter always brings in more shells than summer anyway, but there was an unusualy nice variety tonight.
Nothing says "Florida Gulf Coast" like a jetty, a sunset, and a pelican.
I managed to walk all the way to the jetty on Pass-a-grille pass in time for sunset. There were a few fishermen on the jetty and the usual motley crew of pelicans waiting for a fishy handout.
A smelly piece of bait, a favorite rod and reel, and the perfect cast bring the promise of a fine fish dinner.
Not bad for a beach walk in the dead of winter. Florida winter, that is.
