Feb. 16, 2020 - Ring-billed Gull and Baitfish

I was on the beach at St. George Island, Florida, near a man who was fishing from shore. When he was done fishing, he took the bait off his hook and threw it in the water. This Ring-billed Gull immediately flew in and dove for the bait.
Gull Ring billed with fish sequence Sikes Cut The Plantation George Island 20200204
Its powerful wings started to lift the bird out of the water.
Gull Ring billed with fish sequence Sikes Cut The Plantation George Island 20200204
As the gull cleared the water, I could see that it had a small fish in its beak. The fast shutter speed I was using (1/2000 second) shows the water splashing up behind the gull.
Gull Ring billed with fish sequence Sikes Cut The Plantation George Island 20200204
I love the position of the wings in this shot. Also note that you can still see the spot in the water where the gull had been.
Gull Ring billed with fish sequence Sikes Cut The Plantation George Island 20200204
Airborne!!
Gull Ring billed with fish sequence Sikes Cut The Plantation George Island 20200204
The gull flew off to eat its catch in peace so that other birds in the area couldn’t try to steal it away.
Gull Ring billed with fish sequence Sikes Cut The Plantation George Island 20200204

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