The red-billed gull or sea gull as we grew up naming them, is the commonest gull on the New Zealand coast. Except for a colony at Lake Rotorua, it rarely is found inland. It is commonly seen in coastal towns, garbage dumps and at fish processing facilities.  The bird tends to nest at the same locality from one season to the next.

While common, and often annoying when fed in public places, observing these birds while they paddle and wash in the shoreline can provide equally challenging and satisfying bird photography.