I watched this bird for a long time, as it picked up, put down and tossed around its pretty little toy. From where I was watching, I couldn't tell what the bird had found, but it was clearly something precious. It wasn't until I got home and looked at the images on a monitor that I realized it was a tiny starfish!

A quick google search tells me gulls do eat sea stars, but I don't know if this juvenile western gull was playing with its food or just . . . playing. Either way, I'm happy I was able to witness it. And it doesn't hurt that the late afternoon light made for a beautiful photo.

Please visit the Gift Shop for additional purchasing options. (Sorry, coupon codes and gift certificates cannot be used in the Gift Shop.)