A lucky catch
The Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus) captured after catching a good meal. Kelp gulls can be found along most of the southern hemisphere coastline, but are rarely seen further from shore than the continental self. The southern African population is concentrated along the coasts of Namibia and South Africa. Kelp gulls are known for scavenging on rubbish dumps and discards from fishing boats, but some individuals do specialise in particular foraging techniques. They feed in open sea, lagoons, along rocky and sandy shores on mussels, snails, insects, crabs, frogs, fish and cuttlefish. Kelp gulls will also predate on other bird’s eggs and chicks. Their ability to scavenge is a key factor as to why we haven’t seen drops in their populations much like many other global seabird species.
Description
The Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus) captured after catching a good meal. Kelp gulls can be found along most of the southern hemisphere coastline, but are rarely seen further from shore than the continental self. The southern African population is concentrated along the coasts of Namibia and South Africa. Kelp gulls are known for scavenging on rubbish dumps and discards from fishing boats, but some individuals do specialise in particular foraging techniques. They feed in open sea, lagoons, along rocky and sandy shores on mussels, snails, insects, crabs, frogs, fish and cuttlefish. Kelp gulls will also predate on other bird’s eggs and chicks. Their ability to scavenge is a key factor as to why we haven’t seen drops in their populations much like many other global seabird species.