I'm working with northern gannets right now, implanting satellite transmitters. Have 2 on my porch as I type this, gonna release them in an hour (did surgeries past few hours). They are awesome birds to work with. Are you in New Zealand right now, Orzel?

I was for three weeks, returned a few days ago already.
And they are pretty birds. :>

Incredibly so, and extremely feisty and robust in the hand. Their beaks are incredibly sharp and have backwards pointing serrations and they know how to use it. Only ugly side to them is that true to being a fish bird, they are about the messiest patients I've had. Regurgitate fish (I think as a predatory response to serve as a distraction) and crap constantly. I usually have to express deciliters and deciliters of fishy urates from their big blue butts when I'm preparing them for surgery too. XD

Oh yeah, I can imagine. I have taken care of seagulls before, so I know that they can be super messy and stinky.