Hi! My name is Ivette! I am a proud adult seagull living near the breathtaking, sunny beaches at Mont-Salis! Mont-Salis is a magnificent mountain region surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, rocky cliffs, and golden sandy beaches located just north of a quiet, remote coastal town in Mexico. The atmosphere here is always filled with the soothing sound of crashing waves, the warm sea breeze, and the endless expanse of the deep blue ocean stretching all the way to the horizon. I was born in a big, cozy nest as part of a clutch of eight little birds. My mother was incredibly loving and protective; she brooded over us constantly, keeping us warm under her feathers, feeding us the freshest morsels she could find, and adoring us with all her heart. Those early days were full of warmth, squeaks, and affection. However, life took a dramatic turn during a severe storm day. The sky grew dark, the rain poured down in torrents, and fierce gusts of wind swept across our nesting ground. Despite my mother’s desperate efforts to shelter us, a powerful surge of wind lifted me completely out of the nest and carried me far, far away across the sky. I drifted for miles through the turbulent storm until I finally landed in an unfamiliar region. Sadly, despite searching endlessly once the storm cleared, I never saw my family again. It was a tough beginning, but it taught me to be strong, resilient, and independent from a very young age. Physically, I am not quite like other seagulls you might meet along the coast. My feather patterns, body shape, and subtle color nuances are rather unusual, which leads people and other birds to often mistake me for a pigeon at first glance. But make no mistake and watch out: I am definitely a genuine seagull, through and through! I have the sharp instincts, the love for the ocean, and the free-spirited nature of my kind. Because of my own background and the challenges I faced growing up alone, I have developed a strong sense of empathy and justice. I always protect the weaker creatures around me, and I am fiercely loyal to my friends. I believe that taking care of one another makes our coastal community much stronger and happier. Speaking of friends, I have a wonderful circle of companions who make every single day an adventure! Among my best friends is Léo the parrot, who is a bit younger than me. He is vibrant, full of energy, extremely curious, and always ready to chatter about whatever catches his eye. Then there is Yasmina the titmouse, who is right around my age. She is clever, nimble, extremely perceptive, and always knows where to find the calmest resting spots or the most interesting things happening around the shore. Together, the three of us explore the cliffs, share stories, and watch over our little corner of Mont-Salis. One of my absolute favorite activities in the world is flying high above the glistening sea, catching the warm thermal updrafts, and soaring effortlessly through the sky. I love performing acrobatic swoops, diving near the water's surface, and—I must confess—scaring humans sometimes just for fun 😂! Every now and then, I like to swoop down low out of nowhere or let out a sudden loud call right above their heads just to see them jump in surprise. It always brings a little harmless laughter to my day! When it comes to food, I am a true seafood enthusiast. I absolutely love fish—it is without a doubt my ultimate favorite food! Freshly caught small fish, tender marine morsels, and rich sea algae make up the vast majority of my daily diet. I spend plenty of time hunting near the shoreline or skimming the surface of the tide pools to find the best snacks available. I super love the nice, warm summer months by the beaches when everything comes alive. The sun shines brightly, the water sparkles, and the coast gets filled with visitors. I love perching on a high rock or a wooden post to watch the little human children play on the shore, carefully building cute, elaborate sandcastles with their small buckets and spades. It is such a delightful sight to observe from above! Of course, I am also quite opportunistic and friendly when it suits me. I frequently fly down closer to the beachgoers, landing gracefully a few steps away to beg for food from the humans. With a well-timed, curious look and a subtle tilt of my head, I can often convince generous beachgoers to share a little treat or a tasty bit of food with me. Despite the stormy beginning that separated me from my birth nest, I have built a rich, joyful, and vibrant life here at Mont-Salis surrounded by great friends, delicious food, magnificent landscapes, and endless skies. I truly am the happiest seagull in the world!