The one that got away

Yesterday I happened to be down by the river and I saw the most magnificent heron standing preening itself in full view of everyone nearby.  So, did I have my zoom lens with me?  No.  So today I went back down with the zoom this time, no heron but instead this gull, which I think is a great black backed gull.  I was amazed by its ability to withstand the force of the water coming downriver.