Freedom on the Baltic Sea by Silva Wischeropp

I discovered this maritime bird motif of a magnificent, proud herring gull sitting on a beach chair in the Baltic Sea resort of Warnemünde during my summer photo trip on 28 August 2009. The photograph was taken in the late afternoon with a NIKON D90 (lens: NIKKOR 80.0-200.0 mm f/2.8). Herring gulls are omnipresent when walking by the sea and in harbours. They are an integral part of the typical image and soundscape of maritime areas. Beachgoers are often surprised by cheeky herring gulls that inspect their provisions or steal their sandwiches from their fingers in flight. This means that these birds can be observed at close range and their appearance and behaviour studied at leisure.
Adult herring gulls are light grey on their backs, with the rest of their bodies white and their heads brown streaked in plain plumage. The tips of their wings are black with white sections. Their legs are flesh-coloured pink and their beaks are yellow with a red spot. Young birds are white with grey-brown speckles.

Warnemünde is the best known of the four seaside resorts, alongside Markgrafenheide, Diedrichshagen and Hohe Düne. The former fishing village and "captain's quarter" of Warnemünde has become a popular hotspot for beach holidaymakers, cruise passengers, water sports enthusiasts and thalasso therapy fans. As you stroll through the charming alleys, take a peek into the windows of the lovingly maintained captains' houses. And Warnemünde has much more to offer: fresh Baltic Sea fish, majestic cruise ships and Warnemünde beach, the crowning glory of every day of your holiday. The 14 km long and widest sandy beach on the German Baltic Sea scores highly with its size, visual appeal and lively promenade. Take a deep breath and treat yourself to a well-deserved break with a mindful pause by the sea.