Even though Durham is 150 miles from the East Coast, I occasionally see seagulls roosting in parking lots.
Cities have ample garbage, ideal for foraging, and heat islands perfect for roasting in the sun. These appear to be ring-billed gulls, which have adapted to suburban living far from the beach. The New York Times explains why some gulls have taken a shining to parking lots.
A flock of seagulls landed in South Square today. A couple hardy ones rode the thermals. The rest grounded themselves and puffed up their wings as they tried to stay warm.
