Ring-billed Gull In Flight
These birds are ring-billed gulls (Larus delawarensis). Although called seagulls, most never see the sea. Ring-billed gulls are very common in North America.
They have a yellow bill with a black ring near the tip. These are examples of adult non- breeding birds (breeders have red ringed eyes).
Gulls tend to be scavengers but will eat most any insect, fish, and even small rodents. These guys may migrate to the Gulf of Mexico during the winter – but who knows, they may like the Albany winter!
Ring-billed Gull
There are several similar species of gull: the Herring Gull (no black band around the bill), the California Gull (a red spot on the bill) and the Mew Gull (smaller than the others). Click to hear the sounds these gull make.
These birds were scavenging at Saratoga Race Course, who knows why or where they find their normal near-water home.