Gulls are versatile eaters. Yet around here, their fish-eating antics are the most fun to watch. The first picture was taken two years ago; the rest are recent.
Only once have I seen a gull pluck a fish from the water. Lacking the talons of an osprey or eagle, the gull had to catch it with its bill and then swallow it whole—which it did a moment later while still flying. This is a Herring Gull.
More typically, a gull seems to scavenge a dead fish that has floated to the surface. This can be amusing to watch for, being unable to hold the fish with its feet, when the gull pecks at the fish, it drifts away. The gull must then repeatedly chase the dead fish. This is a Ring-billed Gull.
Another solution to the problem is to go after fish that have washed ashore. Now the gull can peck at the fish without the need to either hold or chase it. I have yet to see a gull rig the situation by pushing a floating fish towards the shore. This is also a Ring-billed Gull.
This juvenile Herring Gull has learned early: a washed-up fish is ideal for eating.
Fine photos and ecological education, Alistair. Thank you for bringing your passion to this.