AND THEY'RE OFF...

Today I saw 10 or 12 seagulls resting in the middle of a shopping mall parking lot – in the city, in the center of the state and nowhere near any shoreline! I thought it was odd that they were all facing the same direction, but I find the reason for that is seagulls usually face the wind when resting to provide for quick takeoff. Catching the wind current underneath their wings helps to lift them into flight. The ‘seagull’ name is misleading because many species of gulls live, feed and rest inland (hence the mall parking lot, I guess). They are best known for being scavengers and congregate wherever food is available. Perhaps the dumpsters from the mall restaurants provided a source of food for this group. Although considered a pest by many, they actually do a service by clearing away organic litter that could pose a threat to humans.

Later in the day, the male goldfinch and female cardinal were on the feeder sharing a snack! I was surprised that they would both stay there at the same time. (Proof on Flickr.)