About 50 Ontario Field Ornithologists members enjoyed a fine day of birding along the Niagara River today (Sunday). The trip began at Niagara-on-the-Lake, where highlights were several Red-throated Loons and a Red-necked Grebe. Then Sir Adam Beck produced great views of Iceland Gulls, an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull and an adult Nelson's Gull (Glaucous x Herring hybrid).
The group proceeded upriver to the greenhouse parking lot above the falls, and enjoyed the hundreds of perched and flying gulls there, including two or three adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls. A walk around the hydro building to see the Brant also resulted in Jean Iron spotting a Purple Sandpiper on a small island upstream from the barge. This bird was closer than is usual for the species at this location, and it was enthusiastically viewed by everyone. After braving gale-force winds near the control gates while scoping hundreds of gulls and ducks, the group proceeded back downriver to the Whirlpool. During much scanning of wheeling Bonaparte's Gulls, we were able to pick out an adult winter Little Gull and a Bonaparte's Gull with a complete black hood there. Then we went back to Sir Adam Beck where everybody got wonderful views of the adult California Gull, and some noted an apparent second winter Thayer's Gull. We made a quick trip back to Whirlpool to look for the Black-headed Gull found by Kevin McLaughlin, but had to settle for the "thrill of the chase" on that one. We had found nine gull species for the day, but this would not be our tenth. Later at Sir Adam Beck again, some were fortunate to see a second winter Lesser Black-backed Gull. In late afternoon, the last intrepid members of the group viewed the flypast of gulls at Niagara-on-the-Lake. Over ten thousand Bonaparte's Gulls flying downriver to roost on Lake Ontario were accompanied by three Little Gulls. On behalf of Jean Iron and myself, I would like to thank all the trip participants for contributing to a very enjoyable day on the river. We really appreciated the assistance from several more experienced observers who provided views through their scopes and helped others in seeing and identifying the gulls. We look forward to seeing you all again next year! Directions: The Niagara River runs between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. Please consult a road map for locations mentioned in this report. Ron Tozer [EMAIL PROTECTED] Ron Tozer <[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.
