One of the most often seen birds on the beach in Cancun, Mexico is the Laughing Gull. Here is one of my favorite photographs:

The most interesting thing about these gulls is that during the summer, their head is completely black. But since we were there in December, the best I can do is offer this link to show you what I’m talking about:

Laughing Gull Information and Photo

I think they are beautiful, albeit monochromatic, birds no matter what season it is. They were mild-mannered for the most part, and didn’t seem to mind us being so close, which led to some nice opportunities for closeup photos:

Aside from eating, they were mostly occupied with socializing and grooming themselves…

…and since they stood looking out at the ocean while they were doing it, the majority of my pictures are of their backsides! :)

When we went to Cancun, Mexico in December 2008, I hadn’t yet developed a serious interest in birdwatching. But I couldn’t help but be fascinated by these black birds that seemed to be everywhere in the resort. In the right light, their color seemed to change from black to a purplish green. And their eyes are bright yellow!

As I later found out, these are Great-Tailed Grackles. Sometimes they gathered in groups…

…and sometimes they went for a swim…

We had a great time watching their antics (and also watching as they cleaned up after any guests who left their food unattended for more than a minute!)

In December 2008 we went on vacation to Cancun, Mexico. We stayed at the Moon Palace Resort, which is where we ran into this little guy foraging for a snack…

He had a really comical walk…

Sometimes he would hang out with his gang, chasing waves and picking up chicks (literally!)

We really had a good time watching their shenanigans :)