Hartlaub's gulls, Sunset Reef, Kommetjie, SA 15/4/2014 Oil paints on canvas 122cm x 92cm

This painting was selected for the exhibition of shortlisted entries in the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation Wildlife Artist of the Year 2015 competition. The exhibition was held at the Mall Galleries, London from June 29 to July 4. More info: Conservation work page     Paintings for Wildlife page

This is the partner to the painting of Tony which is next in this lot of paintings.

Hartlaub's gulls feed on the small isopods and amphipods that eat the kelp washed up in the shorebreak by the storm surf. They sit in the shorebreak and fly up over the bigger waves that break further out. They then settle again to continue feeding.

Detail below