The number of Bonaparte's Gulls continues well below average but definitely increasing. The number of large gulls is also well below average. Few highlights today. One adult THAYER'S GULL, still in primary molt, on the breakwall below the control gates above the falls. One adult ICELAND GULL at the power plants on the lower river. About 5-6 adult LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULLS, most seen above the falls. Two PURPLE SANDPIPERS above the falls on a rock a couple hundred yards out from a point between the Ontario Hydro Building (the Engineerium) and the gatehouse, which is a couple hundred yards further upstream. (This is the same rock that these birds have been seen on for the past few years.)
Several folks spent a considerable amount of time looking for the Black-headed Gull that was found yesterday in the Fort Erie/Buffalo area of the river. As far as I am aware, it was not seen today. However, a second-winter LITTLE GULL was reported between the Railroad bridge and the Peace Bridge. Two RED-NECKED and three HORNED GREBES were also in Fort Erie and a few TUNDRA SWANS were seen on the drive from Fort Erie to Niagara Falls. I suspect that there were other gulls of note seen today but I have not received all the reports from people who were out there. A flock of 20 PINE GROSBEAKS was seen this morning at the fruiting ornamental trees at the Robert Moses Parkway entrance to Fort Niagara S.P. in Youngstown, NY. Good birding! Willie ---------- Willie D'Anna Betsy Potter Wilson, NY dannapotterATroadrunner.com http://www.betsypottersart.com _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list [email protected] For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
