Black-legged Kittiwake

 The Black-legged Kittiwake is the most common gull in the world. Yet, many people have not seen them because they stay off shore. Cape St. Mary's is one place where at this time of the year they can be seen by the thousands while standing on dry land. They can also be seen via a boat tour out to the bird rocks in Witless Bay throughout the summer.

 These birds nest on the on the narrow ledges on the cliff face. It is a wonder any of the eggs survive the high winds, but clearly they do.

This medium size gull has a very loud and distinctive call that is the basis for its name, kittiwake. Mix in the calls of the Northern Gannet and the Common Murre and the tip of Cape St. Mary's is a deafening place to be. While in the swirl of activity, the noise is less noticeable but when walking away and the din fades into the distance, it becomes obvious just how loud it is standing amidst all of these thousands of sea birds.

This is an amazing place to be!

Black-legged Kittiwake

 Somehow the Common Murre, Razorbill and the Black-legged Kittiwake find a way to share the real estate on Great Island, Witless Bay, Newfoundland. Yet, there is no doubt that birds of a feather do flock together. The Kittiwake seem to need more space per bird than do the murres.

In this image, the Kittiwake are occupying the upper deck while the Common Murre reside below. The Murre look like small penguins all lined up in a row.

This photo shows more detail of the individual nests used by the Kittiwake. They are actually hanging on the edge of the cliff.

Zooming in a little bit closer I was able to show the black legs, dark eye and plain yellow bill of the Kittiwake. Also nestled closely to the parent is a baby Kittiwake. This is the first time that I have seen the very young of any gull. It looks so innocent and quiet.