Dare I say it, Gulls?

The ice has driven all the real birds away, so I have resorted to taking photos of Gulls. Well, actually I have mostly been taking pictures of trees and grass in preference, but this weekend given the lack of much else I was forced to swing the lens laridward. There are a lot of Gulls here at the moment, concentrated around the mostly frozen ponds, and it is fair to say that they are not doing much. Loafing. Waiting for handouts. Slipping clumsily on the ice despite their talons. Yes, Gulls have claws. I've not really spent much time studying Gulls, and especially not their feet as feet do not generally sort out ID conundrums, so I was mildly surprised to see claws at the end of the webbing. Not sure that they accomplish much I shouldn't think, but quite interesting actually.

The dominant flavour of Gull on Wanstead Flats is Common at the moment, impressive numbers. I've even been reading a few of the rings, pretty easy to pick out with all the birds stood about. Most seem to be from Norway, or at least to have visited once, with either white or green rings. Amazing to think that they've come all this way to scoff rancid bread and chapatis, but if it keeps them going. There were three different ones that were ringed, which caused momentary excitement until I realised that Tony had seen them all already. They seem to be very site faithful of late, but if there is no pressing need to move I suppose I wouldn't either. Oh, is that a pita? Mmmmmm. 

PS I've included a duck as well, lest you all think I have lost the plot entirely.