Canon is claiming to be the number one in 2024

 According to this article published yesterday at PetaPixel:

"Canon announced that it had solidified number one in interchangeable lens cameras, mirrorless cameras, and full-frame mirrorless cameras in the United States in 2024 thanks to the runaway success of the R6 II, which was the top-selling full-frame camera in the region last year."

The success of the Canon R6 Mark II comes as no surprise. Its fast autofocus, high frame rates, and superior low-light capabilities make it a perfect choice for wildlife photography, especially when capturing dynamic bird shots or fleeting wildlife moments.

Hermit Thrush

The Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus) is a beautiful and elusive songbird that you can spot in Florida, especially during the winter months. These birds are medium-sized thrushes known for their lovely, flute-like song, often heard in their breeding range but less so during their time in Florida.

 This is the first time I photographed one.

Karate competition

 Last weekend I took my camera to USA Sport Karate Competition at Orlando, Florida. Here are some of the pictures I took there. 

One of the things I focused on during the event was capturing the emotions of the participants, especially those who did not win.

Here's a moment I captured: a young lady engaged in a heartfelt conversation with her coach, analyzing what went wrong.

This young guy was in tears after losing his first fight. Remarkably, he was still crying during his second fight—which he won!

He won this fight!

Sports photography, for me, is not just about the action—it's about capturing the raw emotions of those who come to compete, giving it their all. Who says you can't capture great portraits at these events?

The highlight of the event was my grandson winning his first Kata 1st Place Medal!

His Performance was amazing!

All pictures were taken using a Canon R6 with a EF70-200 L f/2.8.

From last weekend

Mating season had begun, and male cardinals were actively chasing females, so much so that they paid little attention to my close presence.

 

Using EF lenses in your R Series camera?

 

The choice between EF and RF lenses on Canon mirrorless cameras depends on a few factors, including your budget, existing gear, and what you're shooting. Here's a breakdown to help you decide:

EF Lenses on Canon Mirrorless

Canon’s EF lenses are designed for their DSLR lineup but can be used on RF-mount mirrorless cameras with the Canon EF-EOS R adapter (or third-party equivalents).

Pros of EF Lenses:

1. Wide Selection: Canon has been making EF lenses for decades, offering a massive range of options at different price points.
2. Affordable Used Market: EF lenses are readily available on the used market, often at lower prices than RF lenses.
3. Compatibility: Many EF lenses work flawlessly on RF-mount cameras when using the adapter, retaining image quality, autofocus and image stabilization.
4. Long Reach for Wildlife: Telephoto EF lenses, like the 100-400mm or 600mm primes, are popular among wildlife photographers.

Cons of EF Lenses:

1. Bulky Setup: The adapter adds extra length and weight, which might feel less balanced on smaller mirrorless bodies.
2. Not Fully Optimized: While EF lenses work well, RF lenses are designed to take full advantage of mirrorless technology. My recommendation is to stick to "L" EF lenses. 3rd party lenses from Tamron or Sigma may look attractive with a low price but they may not work properly in the R Series Camera.
   

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RF Lenses on Canon Mirrorless

RF lenses are specifically built for Canon’s mirrorless R-series cameras, like the R3, R5 Mk I or II and the  R6 Mark I or II.

Pros of RF Lenses:

1. Better Image Quality: RF lenses are optimized for mirrorless, often delivering sharper images, better edge-to-edge sharpness, and improved bokeh.
   
2. Advanced Features: Many RF lenses include advanced optical technologies like faster autofocus, customizable control rings, and superior stabilization.
3. Compact Designs: Certain RF lenses (e.g., the RF 50mm f/1.8 or RF 70-200mm f/2.8) are more compact than their EF counterparts.
4. Future-Proof: Canon is heavily investing in the RF system, so you’ll be better positioned for future upgrades.

Cons of RF Lenses:

1. Higher Cost: RF lenses are generally more expensive than EF lenses.
2. Limited Budget Options: While the RF lens lineup is growing, there are fewer affordable choices compared to EF.
3. No Third-Party Autofocus Lenses (Mostly): Until recently, third-party lens manufacturers couldn’t produce autofocus RF lenses, though this is starting to change.

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Which Should You Choose?

1. If you already own EF lenses: Stick with them and use an adapter. Canon’s EF lenses are still excellent, especially for wildlife photography with telephoto lenses like the EF 100-400mm.
2. If you’re starting fresh: Consider RF lenses for their better compatibility and future-proof design. You could start with versatile lenses like the RF 24-105mm f/4L or RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L if you shoot wildlife.
3. Budget Constraints: Use EF lenses with an adapter to save money, especially since the adapter maintains great performance.

Specially for Beginners

 This is a perfect video for beginners because it covers all the things you need to buy and that are considered essentials. It also tells you what not to buy, something very important because when you start in this hobby you may end buying stuff that you do not need at all. 

Baby on the run!

This candid photo was capture the last weekend. 

This picture captures a beautiful moment, but the humor lies in the little child confidently striding into the scene, possibly about to photobomb the couple's special moment. The photographer's casual stance suggests they're prepared for anything, but the child clearly has other plans—maybe they think they are the real star of the show!

EF 1.4x extender performance

I’ve read numerous reviews and opinions about extenders—some people love them, while others hate them. This note focuses on the Canon EF 1.4x Mark III extender, and it’s worth specifying that most of the negative opinions about extenders often refer to other brands.

The reality is that extenders require more light for autofocus to function properly. When it comes to sharpness, if you pair an extender with a high-quality lens and use a full-frame camera with good dynamic range, you likely won’t notice a significant loss in image quality.

A while back, I bought the Canon EF 1.4x Mark III to use with my Canon R7. Unfortunately, my experience with that combination was disappointing. The performance issues were so frustrating that I stashed the extender in my backpack and didn’t touch it for nearly two years.

Recently, after reading some new reviews, I decided to give the extender another chance—this time pairing it with my Canon R6 and EF 100-400mm Mark II lens. WOW! The results were incredible. Not only does this combination work exceptionally well, but it might even deliver sharper results than using the lens alone!

Here are some pictures taken this weekend in a very cloudy day using this setup.

ISO 12800 and after denoising the level of details is great.

The sharpness of this photo is just incredible.

R7 mechanical shutter failures

It appears that some users are reporting issues with the mechanical shutter failing in Canon R7 cameras.

In a post on the Canon Community forum, one user shared the following:

I joined an R7 group recently and there seems to be an ongoing issue with this model's mechanical shutter. The reports of MS (Mechanical Shutter) failures in this one group alone is unlike anything I've seen/heard before. Particularly for a cam that's only been around for 2 years.

Canon has not replied to this post yet.

Photography Seminar

 If you live close to Tampa you may want to show up to this photography seminar. 

Saturday, Jan. 25th at 6:00: Join us for a photography seminar with award-winning photographer, David Witty. Motorsports photography tricks and tips for all. No prior experience required. $10 the door
The Collection on Palmetto Speaker Series resumes on Saturday, January 25th at 6:00 with a photography seminar presented by David K. Witty, an award-winning motorsports, aviation, and marine photographer.

David will share tricks and tips to capture your best shot, just in time for the St. Petersburg Grand Prix. David has been featured in numerous publications for decades. In addition to capturing action shots, David will speak about strategies for improving your static shots inside and out, along with capturing motion, and blur, camera and lens preferences and using your phone, and shooting at Florida's tracks.

Admission is $10 at the door. This includes museum admission, seminar, and snacks. And your complimentary return admission means you can visit again (on us) and try out some of David's tips!

RSVS today to reserve seats: 727-953-8356 or laura@collectiononpalmetto.com

Getting close

Some people think that once you get a zoom lens you are ready for wildlife photography but the reality is that even with zoom lens you need to get close to your subject to get quality photos. This vide from Paul Miguel is all about this topic. 

Underwater photography at 163 feet

 According to this tweet, this is a new Guinness record. 

 New record: Deepest underwater model photoshoot - 49.80 m (163.38 ft)

Hear from photographer Steven Haining on the logistics of choreographing a shoot nearly 50 meters deep underwater.

Visiting Cuba as a Cuban Photographer, the risks

As a Cuban-American, I would love to photograph my country of origin, but believe it or not, visiting Cuba as a Cuban photographer is riskier than visiting as a photographer from another country.

As a Cuban photographer visiting Cuba, the primary risk lies in potential scrutiny from authorities, especially if you capture subjects considered sensitive by the government, such as military installations, police personnel, or politically sensitive areas. Photographing these is strictly prohibited and could lead to legal repercussions. Keep in mind that in most countries, you'll find signs indicating whether photography is allowed or not. In Cuba, however, such alerts are rarely present.

You can take pictures of police in public in the United States.
This is protected by the First Amendment,
which protects freedom of speech and the press no matter what nationality are you.

But things are not that simple. The level of destruction in cities like Havana is well-known. As a tourist, you might photograph the ruins of those buildings and face no issues. However, if I do the same, it could be interpreted as an attempt to document the destruction caused by the revolution. Being a Cuban photographer adds a political dimension to your work that photographers from other countries do not face. This is just one example of many situations that may seem fine, but may not be as acceptable if you are Cuban.

Here are the key risks to consider:

• Equipment confiscation: authorities might confiscate your camera equipment if they suspect you are taking what is considered by them prohibited or questionable photos.
• Harassment or questioning: depending on the location and situation, you might face questioning or even harassment from local officials if your photography raises concerns. I have personally witnessed this situation.
  
• It's important to remember that even if you are an American citizen, when you enter Cuba using your Cuban passport, you are legally recognized by Cuban authorities solely as a Cuban national. This means that, under Cuban law, your U.S. citizenship is not acknowledged during your stay. As a result, the United States government is limited in its ability to provide consular assistance or intervene on your behalf in the event of legal issues or disputes during your visit. This distinction can have significant implications, so it's crucial to understand the potential risks before traveling.

I know of photography tour packages organized by Cubans living in other countries, and I can’t help but imagine what it would be like if you were on one of those tours and your Cuban guide got involved in one of these situations and was detained by Cuban authorities?

To be fair, this is not a situation unique to Cuba. Photographers from countries like China or Russia may face similar risks when photographing in their home countries. In such cases, local authorities often scrutinize photographic activities more closely, particularly if the subject matter is deemed sensitive or politically charged. For these photographers, their work can inadvertently take on a political dimension, making them more vulnerable to legal or social repercussions compared to foreign photographers capturing the same scenes. This highlights the broader challenges faced by photographers working within countries where freedom of expression and access to certain subjects are heavily regulated.

When living in another country, you become accustomed to your newly acquired rights and may forget that the freedoms you take for granted are not the same in Cuba or other countries. Always do your homework to avoid running into problems.

How much ISO is too high ISO

 I primarily shoot wildlife, and over the years, I’ve changed my shooting approach multiple times. Initially, I shot in manual mode, but I eventually transitioned to Aperture Priority or Shutter Priority. In both modes, I decided to leave ISO on Auto. This configuration allows me to focus on other aspects of photography, such as composition and white balance.

At first, I set the maximum ISO to 1600. Over time, I gradually increased it to 3200 and eventually to 6400. These changes didn’t happen overnight—it took years of experience, experimentation, and adjustments. During this period, I also switched between different camera makers and models, testing and refining the maximum ISO settings on each one. Today my R6 is configured with a Maximum ISO of 10200.

In my opinion, the ideal maximum ISO depends heavily on your camera and, to some extent, on your lens quality. A high-quality lens with superior optics produces sharper and more detailed images, which can help mask the noise that becomes apparent at higher ISO settings.

Modern cameras handle high ISO much better than the ones I owned a decade ago. That said, as photographers, we sometimes need to make tough decisions. Do you take the shot, knowing you’ll have to use a high ISO and sacrifice some sharpness, or do you let the moment pass? Ultimately, the choice depends on what’s more important to you: capturing the moment or achieving technical perfection.

Here are few pictures that I took today and where I had to choose between taken the shot or forget about it. These pictures are soft but to me they are good for Social Media. Can you guess the ISO?

A beautiful story emerging from an obscure past

New generations of Americans, along with many from the current generation, need to be reminded of this critical chapter in history. It was a time when a nation sought to expand its territory, unknowingly opening a Pandora's box of consequences—shaping geopolitics, fueling conflicts, and altering the course of global history.

AFP photographer Eric Schwab recorded the horrors of the Holocaust -- the crematoria, the piles of skeletal bodies and emaciated faces -- as he went from one Nazi extermination camp to the next in the spring of 1945 searching for his mother. Source.

This article from France24 highlights a deeply moving and personal story of an AFP photographer's journey to uncover his mother's harrowing experience in Nazi concentration camps. It sheds light on the intergenerational impact of trauma, the resilience of survivors, and the power of photography as a medium to connect with history and preserve it for future generations.

The story is particularly compelling because it intertwines the personal with the historical, reminding us that behind every statistic or historical account lies a human story of pain, courage, and survival. It also underscores the role of photography in documenting truths that may otherwise be lost to time.

This account serves as an important reminder of the atrocities of the Holocaust and the importance of continuing to educate people about it, especially in an era where misinformation and denial persist. It’s a powerful testament to how personal narratives can bring history to life and ensure that we never forget.

The role of photography documenting history

There’s no doubt in my mind that photography plays a vital role in documenting history—perhaps even more so than video. While browsing Flickr for street photography, I came across an album created by Eran Horn, an amateur photographer from Israel.

Through his lens, he has captured the unfolding events surrounding the potential liberation of prisoners held by Hamas.

His black-and-white photographs are truly remarkable, conveying the deep sadness and dramatic intensity of the moment with profound impact.

Photo by Eran Horn.

A different type of landscape photography

When people hear about landscape photography, they often imagine a pristine image of nature, free of any man-made elements. However, I believe this perception is limiting. The image below demonstrates that landscape photography can thrive in an urban environment, showcasing how human-made elements can complement or contrast with the natural surroundings to create compelling compositions.

Beauty is everywhere, just keep your eyes open and your camera ready.

From last weekend, picture analysis

This is a beautiful close-up image of a flower with a strong focus on its details. Here is why I like this picture.

Picture taken using a Canon R6 w/EF100-400L Mk2.

The flower is positioned slightly off-center, adhering to the rule of thirds, which makes the composition more engaging. The surrounding blurred background effectively isolates the subject, ensuring the viewer's attention is drawn to the flower.

The lighting highlights the delicate texture of the petals and the vibrant yellow of the flower's center. The contrast between the bright flower and the darker, muted background creates a dramatic effect that makes the subject pop.

The shallow depth of field is skillfully used, blurring the background while keeping the flower in sharp focus. This technique enhances the sense of depth and draws attention to the intricate details of the flower.

The natural white and yellow tones of the flower contrast beautifully with the dark green and brown tones in the background. This contrast adds vibrancy and emphasizes the subject further.

The overall mood of the photo is serene and introspective. The dark background gives it a sense of mystery, while the flower itself symbolizes life and beauty amidst simplicity.

Are extenders good?

Yes, if you know how and when to use them. But you better watch this video from Simon d’Entremont, a wildlife photographer who has taken more than 500,000 photos using them!

6 ways to get the best image quality

This video from Duade Paton was shot 3 years ago and still valid today. One thing I love from this photographer is that gives you tips that will not require you to buy super expensive gear. Even more he gave you the required information for you to buy good old lenses that still work well with your Canon camera. 

Is the digital camera market recovering?

It's no secret that the digital camera market has shrunk in recent years. According to some analysts, this trend is primarily due to the rise of smartphones with better cameras and the impact of the pandemic.

However, a recent report published by PetaPixel indicates that digital camera sales in Japan increased in 2024 compared to 2023.

Canon’s sales volume in 2024 was 151.4% of its 2023 level. Fujifilm landed in second place with an 18.6% market share.

Market Recovery Indicators:

• Increased Shipments: The Camera & Imaging Products Association (CIPA) reported that global shipments of mirrorless cameras reached approximately $17 billion in the first half of 2023, marking a 20% year-over-year increase and setting a record high for the third consecutive year.

• Growth Projections: The global digital camera market size was valued at USD 7.16 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.8% from 2024 to 2030.

The shift towards smartphones with advanced camera capabilities continues to impact the digital camera market, necessitating innovation and adaptation from traditional camera manufacturers.

I believe digital cameras will always have a market, even as they compete with smartphones. The fact remains that, due to size limitations, the image quality of photos taken with smartphones cannot match that of mirrorless cameras. Over time, lenses and digital cameras will continue to become smaller and more efficient, but their superior image quality will ensure their place in the market.

Kids Soccer

 This weekend I shot a kid soccer game and here is one of the pictures that I liked from the event.

When shooting soccer, I set my R6 to Shutter Speed Priority at 1/1250 to freeze the action and avoid motion blur. I leave the ISO on Auto to stay focused on the game without the distraction of adjusting ISO manually.

I chose the EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L Mk II lens because it provides the reach I need when the action is happening far down the field, while still allowing me to capture shots when the players get closer. Another option could have been my EF 70-200mm f/2.8L, but I find its range too short for this type of event.

I definitely enjoy shooting sports events. It’s the perfect combination of watching the game while doing what I love: photography.

More than 70,000 pictures

I joined Flickr in 2006. At the beginning this platform served me as the media used to hold pictures that I used in my blogs relative to Ultra Mobile PCs. Later on I started to use it as a backup for my photography hobby. Today I noticed that I have reached the milestone of more than 70,000 pictures in this platform!

According to Flickr Statistics, this is the most voted picture from my Profile.

What can be done with your iPhone camera

I wouldn’t trade my camera for an iPhone, even though I use my iPhone occasionally. The image quality from a DSLR or mirrorless camera is unmatched. That said, if your iPhone is all you have with you, don’t hesitate to use it. For inspiration, here’s someone (Michael Shl) who has traveled to over 40 countries, capturing incredible photos with whatever version of the iPhone he owned at the time.

Picture by Michael Shl.

 

The World Sports Photography Awards

Are you curious to see how the winning photos from the World Photography Awards look? Click here—you’ll be left speechless!

Newborn Baby Photography

While I’m primarily a wildlife photographer, I also enjoy doing event photography, including public events, birthdays, and sports. For these occasions, I adopt a casual style, capturing what most would consider candid moments. My subjects aren’t posed; they’re simply going about their lives, and I’m there as a witness, preserving those authentic moments.

I love this approach because it feels natural, and I dislike asking people—especially kids—to pose. More often than not, they end up standing stiffly in what I call the "penguin pose," accompanied by a forced, "Terminator-style" smile.

However, there’s one type of photography that intimidates me: newborn baby photography. While I’ve taken pictures of my grandsons when they were little, those were more personal than professional.

To me, newborn baby photography requires an immense amount of patience and a nurturing touch that I feel is often best exemplified by women. This video beautifully illustrates what I mean.

 

To be always ready

I can’t overstate the importance of always being ready as a wildlife photographer. The BBC recently published an article that perfectly illustrates what I mean.

Just the other day, I was at a local park with a lake when an otter suddenly emerged from the bushes, sprinting toward the water. By the time I raised my camera and attempted to take a photo, it was too late. The otter had disappeared into tall grass, and the camera couldn’t lock focus. I had missed the brief moment when it ran across the shorter grass, clearly visible.

It felt like I’d lost a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to photograph one of the most graceful animals I’ve ever encountered.

Spot were I lost view of the otter.

The Best States for Photographers

Florida is not in that list. The Sunshine State is too flat and after a while the landscape becomes repetitive, it's either beaches or wetlands. 

According to the list published by AOL, the best state for photographers is Hawaii. 

"It’s no wonder why photographs of Hawaii sell worldwide. It’s a beautiful place that absolutely sparkles in pictures. That must be why the average annual salary for a photographer in Hawaii is $91.277. The revenue potential for photographers is said to be $155,112."

Photographers' salaries in Florida vary based on experience, specialization, and location. According to Indeed, the average hourly wage for photographers in Florida is $21.14. This equates to an annual salary of approximately $44,000, assuming full-time employment. SalaryExpert reports a higher average annual salary of $60,864, with entry-level positions starting around $44,457 and senior-level roles reaching up to $74,488.

Panama City ($89,000) and Fort Lauderdale ($57,000) offer higher average pay rates for photographers compared to other Florida cities. These two cities are famous for their beaches.

Specializations can also impact earnings. For instance, the average salary for a wedding photographer in Florida is $63,028, with a typical range between $55,394 and $73,027.

It's important to note that these figures are averages and can vary based on factors such as experience, location within the state, and the specific type of photography work.

Godox is releasing 3 new flashes

According to a recent article on PetaPixel, Godox is set to release three new compact and affordable flashes.

While I haven’t tested these new flashes yet, I’ll admit I’ve fallen into the trap of buying compact flashes in the past. Although they’re better than having no flash at all, their limited features and performance often leave much to be desired. To put it politely, the results have been far from impressive.

Dade's Battle Event

 Last Saturday I went to the Dade's Battle Event. This is a year re-enactment of this battle that happened in 1835 where the United State Army was ambushed and defeated by approximately 180 Seminole and Black Seminole warriors as they marched from Fort Brooke on Tampa Bay to reinforce Fort King in Ocala.

The whole album can be checked at Flickr. Here are few pictures from the event.

Click To See Details

Click To See Details

Click To See Details

Click To See Details

Camera Design

 I recently came across an article on Digital Camera World that raises an excellent point about camera design.

I wholeheartedly agree. Current Canon cameras lack the classic design elements that once made the brand so iconic. Personally, if I had to choose between the design of my Canon 5D Mark III and my Canon R6 Mark I, I’d pick the 5D every single time—with just one modification: adding an articulated display.

It feels like Canon has leveraged the touchscreen capabilities of the R series displays to replace many of the buttons and design features that were integral to its older DSLRs. Is this a step forward? Maybe. But one thing is clear: it doesn’t quite replicate the professional, tactile experience of the classic DSLR design.

CANON R6 Auto Focus for Wildlife Photography

 This is a very common question, how do you set up your camera auto focus? I use what is called Dual Back Button Focus, which basically is a method where you configure or assign auto focus functions to two of your back buttons in your camera. In my case, I use the AF/ON for Eye Focus and tracking and the * button for Single Point AF. You can find a very detailed explanation of how to set this up (with the difference that he uses the * for Eye Focus and tracking) in this video. 

Pileated Woodpecker

 The end of the year vacation ended and I'm happy with the pictures that I took during this time. This Pileated Woodpecker pictures is an example of this.

Click on the picture to appreciate the details.

 

Canon R1 Dynamic Range performance

Canon's New Cameras include new features in both hardware and software and we all expect to perform better than previous generations but that's not always the case, at least in some areas or features such as Dynamic Range. Dynamic Range refers to the range of light intensities that a camera sensor or film can capture, from the darkest shadows to the brightest highlights. It's a measure of a system's ability to distinguish between the brightest and darkest parts of a scene while still retaining detail in both areas.

According to tests results posted recently at PhotonsToPhotos the Dynamic Range of the Canon R1 at ISO between 100 to 1600 is lower than the results obtained in the Canon R3 and slightly lower than in R6, R6 Mark II, R8 and even the R5 and R5 Mark II.

Starting from 1600 the Dynamic Range Performance is similar than the one seen in the R3 and the other above mentioned cameras.

Why Dynamic Range Performance is so important? 

Landscape Photography: Capturing detail in both bright skies and dark foregrounds.

Wildlife Photography: Maintaining detail in fur or feathers while also capturing background detail.

Post-Processing: RAW files often allow more flexibility in recovering shadow and highlight details because they retain more of the sensor's dynamic range compared to JPEG files.

It’s somewhat disappointing to see this, as the Canon R1 is expected to be Canon’s flagship camera for sports photography. For this purpose, excelling in low-light scenarios, such as those common in indoor sports, is crucial. While the differences in dynamic range aren't massive, the disappointment stems from the high expectations set for this new camera.

A nice surprise, The Old Man and the Piano

While visiting a local park by the sea to look for gulls and other marine birds, I stumbled upon something unexpected: an old man playing an electric piano! 

 

Naturally, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to capture some photos of him.

2024 in 12 of my pictures

Let me try to summarize 2024 in 12 of my photos. This is no easy task because I love them all. The 12 pictures I've chosen aren't necessarily my best—they're simply moments in time that hold meaning for me. Each one represents a piece of my life and a memory from this past year.

January

February

March

April

May

 

June

July 

August

September

October

November

December

 

Please do not do this

I recently took this picture of somebody feeding gulls. 

Feeding gulls with crackers/bread is not advisable for several reasons:

Nutritional Deficiency: Bread and crackers, especially white bread, lacks essential nutrients that birds need. Feeding them bread can lead to malnutrition, as they may fill up on bread and neglect healthier, natural foods.

Health Problems:  A diet high in bread can cause health issues for birds, such as:
    -Angel wing in waterfowl, a deformity caused by malnutrition.
    -Digestive issues, as bread can ferment in their stomachs.

Dependency on Humans: Feeding birds like gulls can make them overly reliant on humans for food, disrupting their natural foraging behavior. It may also increase their aggressiveness towards humans or other birds as they compete for food.

Encouraging Aggressive Behavior: Gulls that associate humans with food may become more aggressive in seeking food, potentially leading to conflicts with people or other animals. In urban settings, this can contribute to nuisance behavior, such as scavenging or attacking food directly from people.

Environmental Impact: Feeding wildlife, including gulls, human food can disrupt local ecosystems. It may cause an increase in gull populations, which could lead to overcrowding, competition for natural food sources, and the spread of disease.

For these reasons, it's best to let gulls forage naturally and avoid feeding them crackers, bread or other inappropriate human foods.