Most people in Los Angeles interact with seagulls - that is, the California gull, Larus californicus - mainly by shooing them away from our picnics at the beach. The birds are so habituated to the presence of humans that they're not easily scared away. In an impressive display of cognitive sophistication, it seems as if the boldest individuals will often try to steal your food when you aren't looking. (Free thesis idea, right there.)

Somehow, the birds that are typically reminiscent of Yogi Bear become more awesome while in flight.

Photographed September 21, 2013 in Playa Del Rey, Los Angeles, California, while I was searching for the transient blue-footed booby. Gear: Canon 60D with Canon 75-300mm f/4.0-5.6 telephoto zoom lens.