it is a peregrine falcon. fastest animal on earth. that gull is bigger but they have webbed feet whereas the peregrines has talons which could rip that gull to shreds although I have never seen a peregrine go after a gull for a meal. I have seen gulls chase other birds to try and steal their catch. yesterday there was a gull in an osprey nest and a peregrine landed and the gull flew off screaming
Thanks for the explanation and the photo. I also thought it was just because of the perspective that the gull looked bigger.
I guess it's partly from being a native of the NY/NJ area most of my life, but all I can hear when I look at this great photo is "What, you lookin' at me?!" ; LOL! ; ;D