Quick wing strokes, buoyant carriage and tern-like aspect identifies these sociable Gulls even when they are specks against the blue sky. Altho rivaling Petrels in fondness for the ocean, they sometimes are driven inshore by gales and my first specimen was collected near Jones Inlet, Long Island.
They were numerous on Georges Bank in Winter and often made themselves a nuisance, attempting to seize baited hooks when we were sinking the trawl. I slapped more than one when they insisted on coming aboard the dory and hi-hi hi hiing in shrill anger when admittance was refused.
There was wild scrambling when we hove the gurry overboard. Hunger satisfied, they settled in flocks for sleep on tumultuous waves which tested the schooner's ground tackle.
They have none of the nefarious traits of other Gulls, living in amity with themselves and their feathered nabors.
From Arctic regions south to Gulf of St. Lawrence. In winter, off shore to New Jersey.