Jimmie Watson, age 12, of Coquitlam, B.C., Canada, for his question:

HOW DOES THE SEA GULL SOAR?

Gulls, with 43 species in the family, can be found along almost all the world's coastlines. He's a most remarkable flyer and by body build and instinct has an ability to glide and soar that appears to be almost effortless. He can soar along or air currents just above the water with very little movement from the wide spread of his wings.

Often a large group of gulls spread out over a wide area of sea. The gregarious scavengers all look for food and, when one spots some, his actions tell the others who join in at the right place. They can wheel about quickly, alight on rough water and swim rapidly while floating high. Gulls also fly inland, feasting on grasshoppers and other insects.