![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNIiosbsxK6dRUMiwiVymSn8uWkAab2OFlLl4QWxHzJVsYm_v1LckwLINtjVT5mE5ZU9kAGIz5dI75cFcEVmCql6NogftBhdxX5lq2wO3SlaTxB89tMaX9ua31dX5FRv-jjFre_DK1ujDl/s400/1.JPG) |
The great black-backed gull, Larus marinus. Click to enlarge. |
A few weeks ago, just before hurricane Sandy, I spent a day at Brooklyn's Coney Island. it was not a big day for urban wildlife, but I saw this fine fat Great Black-Backed Gull at the fishing pier. He eyed me as a potential source of snacks, but flew away when I turned out to be wildlife paparazzi.
The great black-backed gull is easy to identify. It is the largest gull in the world, almost two feet long with a four-foot wingspan. It has a dark grayish-black back, white spots on the tips of the wings, and pink legs. Its bill is yellow with a red dot near the tip. In winter plumage, shown above, it has light dusky streaks on its head.
Coney Island was at its best that day -- hot dogs, cotton candy,
carnival rides, sun, surf, and great black-backed gulls. Here are some
photos. I Hope Coney Island is back on its feet soon.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiJIukKZYIxXIdqs2Qive7s3AoKTFaFKKJBQN9N5H_qWfl9COd0psYB9DMQoYfRhNVUCqP8cbjAxDgOTJPyzIRrNs4IDe_tVOZqhFONi6zmHboJk3NbSERhSBuHipgBgPqzxxRhOF2hyj_/s400/3.JPG) |
The fishing pier. |
The roller coaster.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCPTh4WGVZYHLB4jxDpoL1U9KsBj98KO7HKBflKaTqUF1rHWMQYi818Hv90kl-Mx9vGdU8I2JbLClBKjsSy8XOYc5MWkhQqnXWBbFV0K1llqts07Yc71UnhjMjdhqDx_6kYSrh51gtW1QI/s400/6.JPG) |
The carousel. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHA8ypU9L-RKoUCDlbjePAKR7boL8ki7orX2nkY1AVw2Ihd5O0qD-ZprvCs-QHuqlfQGOMfgZOXyUCNE8yaJ1FxZhH-EZBm7ZcRtCuaXjRDhgN3E5EI9mGDoFYXPaAEQtu4hbgIzvttRUh/s400/7.JPG) |
Scream Zone! |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrxfzSZayFhh3SUWbDfqNIcgT99BqwT5AITcND-kqSlE6byhNQjllLQwhZhAfDApCVHaYh8C9dJGFIywtEbE-06lN31r3SkYg5UWrWhHb567iPYX15llZM_2QycbM34QUxXAltpmCHzMji/s400/8.JPG) |
The Wonder Wheel is expected to be back in service for next year's opening. I heard on the news today that rides will be free on opening day, Palm Sunday 2013. |
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