Herring Gull ( Larus argentatus )

We had business in Cockermouth and then on to Workington to drop something off we had promised to  a couple.  Then we thought Maryport harbour would give some different shots than we generally use.  So along the coast much altered from when Kanyl and I lived not too far from their as kids.

At the harbour we had a wander around taking shots of harbour type things.  It was hot hot hot.  Even the gulls were looking as if it was too hot for them.  Despite all my of boats and equipment the way this gull was looking at things appealed to me.

Note this is a gull there are no such things as sea gulls.  Gulls are now and always have been found miles from the sea.  This is a Herring Gull.  It can be told from other common gulls by the grey back and red spot on the beak.  Black Backed Gulls as the name suggests have black backs, Common Gulls (aren't terribly common) and their backs are grey they are a little smaller than herring.  The beak is probably the easiest difference to spot the beak is yellow with no red spot sometimes there is a dark mark.  Black headed gulls are much smaller and in summer have chocolate brown hoods in summer, a dark smudge at the ear in winter, red legs and beak.

After Maryport we took the scenic route home, along to Allonby, up to Aspatria, past the house where Kanyl and I grew up, up to Bothel along past Bassenthwaite to join the A66 at Keswick and then home.