Black-Backed Gull Flock

In February, 2009, the following image was taken just off the coast about 5km
north of Dunedin, New Zealand. The image was divided into 9 contiguous
quadrats from left top to right bottom.

Note: Quad 1 contains an out(f)lier…

This exercise is designed to raise questions about the use of image data to study
biological phenomena. Are there questions to investigate? What do you
know/need to know in order to begin?
For general information about gulls:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_gull

For more about NZ gulls and seabirds including Larus dominicanus, the
Black-backed Gull.

http://www.teara.govt.nz/1966/G/Gulls/Gulls/en

http://www.conservation.govt.nz/upload/documents/science-and-
technical/sfc233.pdf

For more about Flocking Behavior:

http://elibrary.unm.edu/sora/Auk/v069n02/p0160-p0170.pdf

http://www.thewildclassroom.com/biodiversity/birds/aviantopics/flockingbe
havior.html

http://www.red3d.com/cwr/boids/ (Simulation)