If you think these are gulls, you're probably not alone. This is a common mistake. Although similar in size, shape, and plumage, they are in fact not gulls. These are northern fulmars, a member of the Procellariiformes, an order which consists of some of the most iconic seabirds around. This group is less formerly referred to as the 'tube noses', due to a unique tubular structure formed around the nostrils shared by all members of the Procellariiformes. Fulmars, and their relatives the albatrosses, shearwaters, petrels, storm-petrels, and prions, have all demonstrated an incredible sensitivity to smell. Pour some fish oil over the side of a boat, and in a matter of minutes 'tube noses' will arrive to investigate. It's assumed that these tubular nasal passages help to funnel smells drifting in the wind, and direct birds to areas of high productivity and potential prey. You can think of fulmars as sort of a stockier miniature version of an the albatross, soaring vast distances across the ocean in search of food.
Canon EOS 60D, Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM + 1.4x, ISO-500 f/5.6 @ 1/2500 sec.
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