Most people in Los Angeles interact with seagulls – that is, the California gull, Larus californicus – mainly by shooing them away from our picnics at the beach.
Most people in Los Angeles interact with seagulls - that is, the California gull, Larus californicus - mainly by shooing them away from our picnics at the beach. The birds are so habituated to the presence of humans that they're not easily scared away. In an impressive display of cognitive sophistication, it seems as if the boldest individuals will often try to steal your food when you aren't looking. (Free thesis idea, right there.)
Somehow, the birds that are typically reminiscent of Yogi Bear become more awesome while in flight.
Photographed September 21, 2013 in Playa Del Rey, Los Angeles, California, while I was searching for the transient blue-footed booby. Gear: Canon 60D with Canon 75-300mm f/4.0-5.6 telephoto zoom lens.
The views expressed are those of the author(s) and are not necessarily those of Scientific American.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR(S)
Jason G. Goldman is a science journalist based in Los Angeles. He has written about animal behavior, wildlife biology, conservation, and ecology for Scientific American, Los Angeles magazine, the Washington Post, the Guardian, the BBC, Conservation magazine, and elsewhere. He contributes to Scientific American's "60-Second Science" podcast, and is co-editor of Science Blogging: The Essential Guide (Yale University Press). He enjoys sharing his wildlife knowledge on television and on the radio, and often speaks to the public about wildlife and science communication. Follow Jason G. Goldman on Twitter
