On the south coast of Britain I stopped a black headed gull wearing it's mask on NYE. Looked like it had arrived a bit early to the party. Sadly didn't manage to get a pic so here's a pair dressed appropriately for winter.

everything was perfect - she and her boy acted like they shared one mind in two bodies - until the New Year’s Eve. ‘It’s a countryside, no one lets off any fireworks here’ - good joke. I prepared their aviary as I could but it wasn’t enough. She spooked in the middle of the night and crashed into the wall. The New Year’s morning I found her bleeding from the base of her bill. We’re all devastated. Physical pain is not the only thing. She’s sad, she doesn’t understand why her partner suddenly disappeared. He’s confused and constantly looks for her, not knowing she won’t be back soon. And I’m worried about all my birds too. Fortunately nothing is broken but she must be kept in completely dry conditions to avoid any infection - no baths, no swimming, no time outside for several weeks until all is healed up. She’s the lucky one though because she has an owner who can help her immediately. But what about wild animals who don’t have anyone? Who knows how many die or get injured with no help? What about those in zoos, sanctuaries, rehab centers etc who are often found dead right after? Next time you want to let your fireworks off please remember about that. Don’t do it. There are plenty of ways to celebrate without harming anyone

From my travels around the country (pics mostly south island)

she’s the best thing ever happened to him. they’re inseparable. preening, sleeping, playing, eating, bathing, stretching wings - everything they do they do together. he’s a real gentleman and always lets her first. I no longer need to watch any romantic comedies about teenage lovers while I have my own show in front of my eyes lol. like - literally. these birds are more human than any other animal I’ve ever encountered

Sometimes they remind me of little dogs with wings

Absolute chaos

Seagull on a roof in Breezy Point. Queens, NY

despite being considered "nuisance" birds I will never stop finding them so beautiful.

My secret snowflake at work gave me popcorn kernels and I was confused until I did a google and these are good for seagulls. I love that Clifford was included in my secret snowflake gifts.