There are at least two Mew Gulls on the Niagara River. One is the North American subspecies Canus canus brachyrhynchus and a second bird is a Common Gull, which is the name given to two very similar European subspecies in the group C.c. canus/heinei. Yesterday, Kevin McLaughlin, Dean DiTommaso and I tentatively identified a Common Gull where we had previously seen a Mew Gull. This seemed almost impossible. Dean and I photographed it and the three of us noted its field marks. The Ontario Bird Records Committee will be sent written documentation and photos. I've posted several photos on my website. http://www.jeaniron.ca/2010/CommonGull.htm
Caveat: All field marks strongly indicate a Common Gull, however, I am seeking confirmation from gull experts who are thoroughly familiar with Common Gulls. Directions: The Common Gull was seen on the river, flying and perched, between the overlook at Adam Beck and the Butterfly Conservatory. To view the roosting rocks along the river, which are on the American side, park at the north end of the Butterfly Conservatory parking lot and walk north towards Adam Beck about 200 metres to two light coloured horizontal wooden bars in the brown fence. Jean Iron Toronto ON _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list ontbi...@hwcn.org For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/ -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES Archives: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
