Hello Ontbirds people, Today (Nov. 27), Bob Bracken & Bob Cermak were able to view the bird at the dump along County Rd. 56 north of Eganville/south of Pembroke, from approx. 12:00 until 1:15 PM. (Thanks to Chris Michener's information, research & photos).
According to info from "the Bob's" today, the bird appears to be in transitional plumage (age & plumage sequence unknown but approaching 2nd winter), with a conspicuously dark & contrasting mantle vs. pale creamy secondary wing coverts. Primaries dark, vent white. Extensive blotchy dark feathering on the head & breast with an obvious white area in the centre of the breast. Bill completely dark up to the base. Dark eyes. It also appears to be a very heavy-set bird vs.the numerous adjacent Herring Gulls. The possibility of hybrids & other species were considered, but according to the observers it looks excellent for Slaty-backed. NOTE****This is just a "heads-up" for anyone who wants to see this gull & draw their own conclusions...a great opportunity to study a very interesting gull (haven't seen the beastie yet myself, so please don't shoot the messenger!)...also, the people at the dump were apparently very friendly & accommodating...please follow the instructions below...... Chris Lewis Ottawa [EMAIL PROTECTED] INSTRUCTIONS & DIRECTIONS (courtesy of Chris Michener): If you decide on the trek, call ahead (613-735-7537) to the Ottawa Valley Waste Recovery Centre and ask for Elizabeth. She has some rules and wants everyone to check in at the entry office. You shouldn't leave your car unless you are wearing certified safety boots. Please follow the rules as we don't want the birding experience at this site ruined for us. It is also a good idea to stay in your car and use it as a blind, driving near the gulls very slowly. Stay out of the way of the bulldozer unless you like getting flattened. Scope from the window, although binoculars are sometimes enough. Other gulls at the landfill are HEGU, GBBG, RBGU (1 seen) and THAYER'S GULL (one 1st winter). To get to the landfill, drive north of Eganville staying on Hwy 41 for about 14 km., then turn left onto B-Line Rd. Go about 2 km. up the Line travelling around a curve to the left and at the end of the curve turn left onto County Rd 56, also called Woito Station Road. The landfill is on your right about 3 km. down Cty Rd 56. When arriving at the weigh scale, you wait for the green light and then drive up on the scales to check in. It's a good opportunity to see how much your vehicle weighs, too. The weight is above the window. The best time to visit is between 11 AM and 1 PM. Good Luck, Chris Michener Golden Lake [EMAIL PROTECTED] PS. Original posting was on Nov 24. Pembroke Area Field Naturalists: http://www.renc.igs.net/~cmichener/pafn.index.html [EMAIL PROTECTED] (Chris) "Christina Lewis" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Visit http://www.ofo.ca/ontbirdsguide.htm for information on leaving and joining the list. As well as general information and content guidelines.
