Great Black Backed Gull

Fortunate enough to be able to read the leg band and get some history on this bird. 14 years old, for one.

[Kerry McCarthy]

Wow that's fun that you could find that out! Must be a wise gull!

[Valerie Chesney]

wonderful shot, so like the lines of sand & water...

[Milanie]

Pretty neat gull - obviously one who knows his way around to have lived this long. Like the way you caught the lines of water in the sand.

[Tami Skipper]

I had no idea they could live so long.

[Anne Pancella]

So cool that you could find out some history from the band number.

[Rob Crosby]

There's been enough interest that I thought I'd post the full report. Thanks for all the comments!
2E2 is the elder statesman of banded gulls on PI
He was banded as an adult / male in May 2006
It takes 4 years for a gull to reach adulthood so he is at least 14 years old
He has been known to "commute" to Appledore as he has been seen at both places
in the same day
Your sighting is a good one - I have not seen 2E2 since Dec. 2015
He will hang between Lot 6/7 and Sandy Point from now until nesting season
He typically shows off his spouse and then disappears for a while only to return
on a regular basis in July
The last two years he has been escorted by an immature gull and we assume them
to be his offspring
He willingly shares food with these birds as they beg to be fed.
7Y6 we believe was he offspring in 2014. 2AK we believe is 2015 offspring but
we do not have confirmation on that from Appledore
Thanks for the report and the folks at Appledore appreciate you sending in the
info
DGA

[KoalaGardens🐨]

so interesting to read the story! thanks for adding that to a great capture :) fav

[Kerri Michaels]

Love this!!! fav