BIRDS OF THE SEA
Herring Gull (Larus argentatus)
Body is pure white Grayish-blue wings, tipped with black Somewhat larger than a Crow
This is the familiar “Sea Gull,” one of many species so called. Its value as a beach scavenger and “garbage collector” has earned it protection by the federal government. While preferring the rocky coasts of Maine for nesting, the Herring Gull is by far the most familiar, if not the most common bird found at Crane’s Beach.
Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus)
Much larger than Herring Gull Wings are black on top surface
This beautiful gull, like its common cousin, is a scavenger. It is larger and more antagonistic than the Herring Gull and will often steal its food. In Maine, where both breed, the Great Black-back frequently feeds on the Herring Gull’s eggs or nestlings.
Common Tern (Sterna hirundo)
Small, sleek, white body Forked tail Black crown on top of head Orange-red bill
These delightful, graceful birds are again nesting at the tip of the Neck. Their nest has been described earlier ([page 7]). Under government protection, their numbers have been increasing rapidly. Keep a sharp watch and you may spot an Arctic or Roseate Tern, both very similar to the Common. It is entertaining to watch the Tern fish. It hovers against the wind in one spot just off shore—then suddenly drops into the water, only to reappear again in a moment with some morsel of food. Repeated again and again, this performance becomes a real show which even the most uninterested sun bather cannot ignore.