Why do seagulls fly hundreds of miles inland to sit in WallMart parking lots?

Answer 1

Actually there is no such species simply called a "Seagull", its just a term in common usage by laypeople to refer to any number of different species of Gull. The birds you are referring to are probably Ring-billed Gulls who usually dont live anywhere near the ocean, but prefer lakes and rivers as their habitat. Most live around the Great Lakes in Canada and the Northern US and as a supplement to their diet they scavenge the food and garbage left behind by people in parking lots, such as Wal-Mart or the local grocery store. Another reason these Gulls frequent such places it the strong updraft of warm air created by the sun warming the pavement... much like the updrafts on lakes. It makes flying around all day looking for food alot easier because they dont have to work as hard to stay aloft. The truth is these birds do not fly "hundreds of miles inland" to go to the Wal-Mart parking lot, in fact they probably fly there from the nearest lake during the day to scavenge before returning to their lake area to roost at night.

Answer 2

How Do Seagulls Fly

Answer 3

Funny, but somewhat inaccurate:
Some Gulls never see the ocean, they breed and live on inland lakes, they come into the cities to scavenge food, AND
of course, seek out your car at Wally World.
I believe they gain much joy in ruining a wax job. LOL
.

Answer 4

The wind carries them there and the french fries keep them there.

Both are fun. Ride the wind and feast on fries. Sometimes I'll bet they're even fresh.

Answer 5

LOL, you wonder, don't you? I think, in part, they are hoping to find food, such as stuff people may throw out for them. They hang out near fast food places here.

Answer 6

because there are no cars in the sea

Answer 7

Have you never heard of making rest stops? ;)

Answer 8

This is easy. Because they can.

Answer 9

they are waiting for the prices to rollback?

Answer 10

for the garbage.