Visiting Rehoboth Beach to see the beach with some snow ended up having less snow but a flock of seagulls (not the band) resting on the beach. Perusing my favorite bird id site lead me to believe that these were ringed-bill gulls on our beach. Gulls are a common site at many beaches, very agile fliers, sometimes too agile as they snatch food out of beach-goers’ hands. This should serve as a reminder that we shouldn’t allow animals to become accustomed to human food, which means throwing out your scraps and not feeding them. Regardless of the fact that the beach may be a resort area and not designated a park or wilderness, what may seem cute and entertaining can quickly become a nightmare. These habits can put people and animals at risk. So enjoy nature, but respect it by ‘taking only pictures and leaving only footprints’ as the Leave no Trace philosophy as well as other ethics go. This too means to use appropriate waste disposal which municipalities have set up and should be regularly maintained. Enjoy!
phototerrascientia 