30 photos of perfectly timed moments

That’s mine, thanks.

The azure ocean, the gentle hush of the waves, and stunning natural scenery—life in a tropical paradise holds many charms. What nobody tells you until you arrive, though, is that the local wildlife can be surprisingly territorial and not exactly keen on sharing.

Be it a seagull or a parakeet, birds are birds. Whether they’re rockin’ flashy plumage or a more subtle getup, they’re all about those McDonald’s fries. Leave your fries unattended for a hot second, and they’ll swoop in and snatch ’em up. The real question is, which feathery fiend will claim the spoils?