White sand beaches are also recreational centres for humans. Signs have been placed in some white sand breeding areas warning people to go no further. Usually, four eggs are laid between the middle of May to late June. The Herring Gull is a large gull at 23 to 26 inches. Breeding birds are mainly white overall, with black-tipped wings and grey back.
Eyes are yellow.
A small, almost indiscernible red dot can be found on the Herring Gull's lower jaw. Immature birds are grey in colour overall. The Herring Gull can be found in abundance along any coastal area in Nova Scotia. Generally a scavenger, it has no particular food preference. A permanent or stay-resident bird, this gull has no migratory compulsions.