SOUTHERN BLACK-BACKED GULL

The Southern Black-backed gull ( Karoro) or larus dominicanus is a much maligned bird in my view. I think perhaps its reputation is tarnished by its habit of scavenging. Perhaps if we werent so grubby it wouldnt scavenge !!
it's a circumpolar bird found in southern temperate to sub-antarctic regions.
the bird fully matures in its third year with its adult plumage fully developed in that third year. It breeds in Oct-Dec and normally lays three egs.
We recently had a pair breed on the Causeway to Sumner and the Council very honourably put road markers around them. I saw one of the youngster didnt make it - being run over by a car.
This one is complaining about human existance !!
rgds poo