Sean Bygrave, age 73, of Vancouver, B.C.,Canada, for his question:

WHERE DO SEA GULLS NEST?

Gulls of various kinds fascinate beachgoers and sailors the world over with their graceful soaring, swooping and diving antics. How interesting it would be to follow them and see their clever nests. The sea gulls, like most other gulls, build their nests from seaweed, decayed vegetation and anything else that looks useful. The nesting place varies from a deserted offshore island to coastal beaches, cliffs, sand dunes or even rooftops of houses or other buildings.

The nest is usually built with the idea that the closer the neighbors are, the better. Thousands of gull nests may be squeezed together in one location. This colony of nests provides security, especially to those in the center which are sheltered from the effects of storms and predators. Both Mama and Papa gull share nesting duties, tending the one to four eggs watchfully. When the brownish fledglings hatch after 26 days, the proud parents take turns feeding and guarding them.