The Bickersons Non-Verbal Argument

Photographer Name
Linda Holton

Date/Year of Photo
Feb. 19, 2016

Location of Photo: (BC photos only)
Lands End, North Saanich, BC

Description of Photo
This couple comes to my deck and argues and argues. Sometimes they wear out from squawking and use extreme body language to do their arguing over who gets the prime corner spot on the railing. The winner stays, as though planted on the point of the corner. The loser flies in large dramatic circles a few times, then gives in, comes back, sits close to the corner, and sulks for awhile. Just as things are finally calm and quiet, one will start complaining again and the other always responds loudly. I read two lines from the old Bickersons TV show that may be the same type of feisty insults these gulls bat back and forth... "Blanche: Believe me, there's better fish in the ocean than the one I caught! John: There's better bait, too!" Then they sit quietly until the light begins to fade when they spread their majestic white wings and silently head home together, shoreward bound.