Pallas’s Gull

(photographed in Haridwar)

Unique flight

The way these birds were gliding over Hardiwar bridge caught my eye. The glide was slow like a parachute sailing through the air. For a second, I thought they might be an eagle or a hawk, as the size was similar. But there drift in the air was much slower.

As I moved closer, I could see the birds were different. In one instance, they were moving near to the water, and in other they lifted up to the top of the bridge. The rapid rise in height with so much grace was rather suprising.

Hunt begins

In the moments that follow, the hunt begins. 

These birds in a group of 4-5 individuals, were particularly interested in a slower water area. Anything small and living, which could fit in their beak, was picked up from the water.

Eagles intrude

The birds succeeded so well, that the party drew the local resident eagles. Soon the eagles in a group of 3-4 mobbed them and intimidated the gulls to move away .

Having eliminated competition, the eagles began to hunt for themselves. But they weren’t that successful, as they lacked the water adaptations of the gull. Neither they had webbed feats like gull nor their wings were waterproof, so they couldn’t risk getting wet while hunting.

Gull’s returned

Shortly the eagles lost the interest and moved on. The gulls soon returned, and I could sense their eagerness, as it was their favourite hunting spot.

Later I learned (from Wikipedia) that these birds are migratory, with India being their wintering ground. The fact which somehow increased my respect for them.