This is Bird Note.

A massive bird soars along the New England coastline.

Above nesting islands and cliffs inhabited by puffins and greaves,

this bird's broad black wings measure more than five feet across

in bold contrast with its white head and tail.

Its beak is long and thick.

A bald eagle might come to mind, but this is no eagle.

It's a great black-backed gall.

The world's largest gall.

Great black-backed galls can be found on both sides of the North Atlantic

and their diet, like that of other large galls,

includes fish, squid, and winter visits to landfills.

But it's the reputation as serious predators of other birds

that really sets this huge gall apart.

During the nesting season, great black-backed galls prey on eggs

and nestlings of other sea birds.

They'll also hunt adult sea birds, like those puffins and greaves,

and songbirds as big as a grackle.

Just over a century ago, these birds were nearly wiped out by plume hunters.

The gall that soars like an eagle and snacks on other birds had itself

all but disappeared into ladies' hats.

But today, thanks to people speaking out,

...