I finally managed to snag the computer in between all the nesting box maintenance and shorebird walks to peruse the website (nice work, dad). It's great to be able to read what's going on in the lives of the extended family! I'm glad to hear that everyone is doing well.
Incidentally, "western gull" is indeed the species in the pictures my father posted from the Farallones. He wanted me to check up on his accuracy as his poor memory for names extends from aquaintances into the animal world. Kudos, dad, you nailed it this time!