Snow Gulls

     Today was a walk with the Feminist Bird Club... but also a little bit of snow. We braved as best we could, thankfully our destinations were reachable by car, so there was always respite from the wind, snow slapping you in the eyeballs,  and wind hurling snow at your eyeballs.
     Our trip included Bush Terminal Park, Army Terminal Pier, and Veteran's Memorial Pier. I think we made the park staff at Bush Terminal Park happy, as they were plowing and maintaining the park, and at least a few crazy people were out to make it worth his while (I hope).
     We were hoping to find the Iceland Gull, but instead we got snow and mostly RBGU's. Despite not seeing the Iceland, we were all glad to have escaped our apartments for some time outdoors and enjoyed watching little feathered beings be absolute bad asses in the wintry weather out there. I am always amazed how some little feathered creature, weighing maybe a pound or two, if even that, can maintain its core temperature and be so tiny.
     Anyway, here are those little badass ring-billed gulls, braving the snow...

The wind was strong, and these bird conquer the wind.
Aside from RBGU's, we also saw Canada Geese, Gadwall, Mallard, Am. Black Duck, Bufflehead, Lesser Scaup, Ruddy Duck, Double Crested Cormorant, Greater Black-back Gulls, Herring Gulls, Red-breasted Merganser, and a Raven.

On the piers, the gulls face the wind head-on...

They also seem to understand the need for personal space, none are ever too close.

Just revisiting these scenes through photos makes my cheeks burn cold.

Low and compact seemed to be the best strategy for conservation of energy and heat.

I love how they can make their neck seem so long or nonexistent. I love these gulls, but I am certainly glad to have returned home to warm blankets, a movie, and my own bird, perched on my shoulder.