Great black-backed gull

Oh, people, look among you
It's there your hope must lie
There's a seabird above you gliding in one place
Like Jesus in the sky...

—Jackson Browne, "Rock Me On the Water"

The song quote works for Jessa's photo above, but the great black-backed gull is more frequently mistaken for an osprey (see photo below). Larus marinus is a formidable predator in its own right, and has been known to pirate prey from raptors as well.

The chicks, though, are hella cute.

Maybe even a little pathetic-looking when soaking wet.

You're still thinking about "Rock Me On the Water", aren't you? Fine, me too. Here you go. While you listen, though, enjoy some more blackback photos courtesy of Jessa and me.

[My gods, look at those feet...]