Actually the gull wasnt an automatic shutter speed decision. I think I set it at 80, even though the light would be too low, as the lowest speed that I can do freehand with my 135mm lens. I could have had better color, but it would have been blurred most likely. For the waterfall, it's in the trees a bit and the clouds were heavy both days, so the light was low and I had to use a long shutter. On the first day, though, I did take the photo at all speeds possible (including fast shutter shots).

Also, how would I edit the seagull to stand out from the snow more? I already added quite a bit of contrast.

Also, Ronnoco, as you mentioned in your first post... what exactly is the "right effect"? I may look through my others I took of the first one and show you one that had a bit faster of shutter speed, and see how it compares. I'm still a beginner, so I'm still learning.