We usually think of the Niagara River in November and December as one of
the best places to see arctic gulls. However, the construction sites in
Markham where farmland is being converted into housing are excellent places
to see uncommon arctic gulls up close. Today we had the following among the
Herring and Ring-billed Gulls frequenting the drainage pools and bulldozed
areas.
2 adult Nelson's Gulls (hybrid Herring x Glaucous Gull).
1 third year Thayer's Gull.
25 Kumlien's Iceland Gulls including many adults.
35 Glaucous Gulls including many adults.
2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls (1 adult and 1 third year).
Directions: We appreciate Stan Long's updates and directions to the
Tributary C ponds in Markham. Drive 2 km east on Hwy 7 from the Ninth Line
to Reesor Road then south a short distance. "Trib C" is a new pond that
lies on the west side and can be viewed from the shoulder. Morning light is
best looking west. This pond should be an excellent place for shorebirds
this spring. Also, from the Ninth Line take Hwy 7 east to the Markham
Bypass and turn left (north) to 16th Avenue. On the east side (right)
behind the housing sales building are many gulls bathing in small pools and
resting. Afternoon light is best. Then continue north of 16th Avenue on the
Markham Bypass to just before the Ninth Line where there is a large pond on
the south side. The gulls are in the pond and all over the earth piles
nearby to the east. We believe that the gulls are eating restaurant wastes
that nearby farmers are putting on their fields as fertilizers. The odd
time the wind smelled like a pig farm. So who knows what the big attraction
for the gulls is in Markham?
Happy gulling,
Jean Iron and Ron Pittaway
Toronto and Minden
www.jeaniron.ca
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
