Glaucous Gulls are seabirds that can be found in a variety of habitats, primarily along coastlines and sea cliffs. These gulls prefer nesting sites that are close to colonies of other birds, such as Northern Fulmars, auks, waterfowl, or other gulls. By nesting near these other species, Glaucous Gulls may benefit from the protection and resources provided by larger colonies.
When it comes to nesting, Glaucous Gulls typically choose large ledges or other prominences on sea cliffs or coastlines. These nesting sites provide a safe and elevated location for their nests, away from potential predators. The gulls are known to fiercely defend their chosen nesting sites, which can sometimes lead to aggressive interactions with other birds or even humans who approach too closely.
In addition to nesting along sea cliffs and coastlines, some Glaucous Gulls also choose to nest farther inland. These inland nesting sites are typically found on predator-free islands in tundra lakes. These islands provide a secure and isolated location for the gulls to breed and raise their young.
It is worth noting that Glaucous Gulls are highly adaptable and can be found in various regions throughout the Northern Hemisphere. They are known to breed in Arctic regions, including areas such as Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Iceland, and parts of northern Europe and Russia. During the non-breeding season, they may also migrate to more southern coastal areas, where they can be observed scavenging for food along shorelines.
In my personal experience as a birdwatcher and nature enthusiast, I have had the opportunity to observe Glaucous Gulls in their natural habitats. I have seen them nesting on rugged sea cliffs, where they carefully guard their nests from any potential threats. On one occasion, I witnessed a Glaucous Gull fiercely defending its nesting site from a neighboring gull that ventured too close. It was fascinating to observe their territorial behavior and the determination with which they protect their nests.
To summarize, Glaucous Gulls primarily live in habitats along sea cliffs and coastlines, often near colonies of other birds. They choose large ledges or prominences for nesting and may also nest on predator-free islands in tundra lakes farther inland. These adaptable birds can be found in various regions of the Northern Hemisphere, breeding in Arctic regions and migrating to more southern coastal areas during the non-breeding season.