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I found these feathers in the back garden last year and kept them because they are so beautiful. Gull feathers were in high demand in the 19th century for the millinery trade because of their quality. Many gulls were killed for their feathers.
The feathers pictured here are from a Lesser Black-backed Gull. They nest on the roof every year but the chicks rarely manage to stay in their nest. They usually fall off the roof and end up in the back garden where their parents continue to raise them. This was last year’s chick – I never understand how they are so small and they survive the fall.
2 comments
oh my gosh, this little chick is so cute. Don’t let me near him. I’d have to hug and hold him.
I agree, but if you went anywhere near it you’d have angry parents swooping on you within seconds. I had to pick one up before to rescue it from a dangerous road, the chick was lovely and soft but didn’t want to be cuddled! For one so tiny it was very feisty and kept trying to peck me. I admired it’s bravery.