We were out on the New York side of the river on New Year's Day, preferring to avoid the long wait at the international bridges (ever since the high alert designation). As a result, we could not get very close to the power plants but it was obvious that there were lots of gulls there. There are still incredible numbers of gulls above and below the falls (including loads of Bonys) so it was frustrating only being able to look from Goat Island. A little upriver from the power plants (~300 yards) are the "roosting rocks" along the NY side and they were packed with Bonapartes and large gulls as well. In summary, there are still lots of gulls on the Niagara River and therefore the potential for anything seems high.
Our highlights above the falls were 1 ICELAND, 2 LESSER BLACK-BACKEDS, 1 adult GLAUCOUS, and 1 ad. LITTLE GULL with likely the same GLAUCOUS seen below the falls a little later. A nice adult PEREGRINE perched on a tree next to the path along the top of the gorge, seemingly unconcerned by the tourists passing by beneath him. This was likely one of the pair that breeds in the gorge below the falls. Below the falls were an ICELAND GULL, COMMON LOON, and D-c. CORMORANT. At the roosting rocks were three ICELAND GULLS and a couple more visible with a scope at the power plants. (We park at the Devils Hole parking areas along the Moses Parkway and look down into the gorge from there.) A walk up the Queenston narrows from Artpark, past the bridge and all the way to opposite the first Ontario power plant, produced a couple more ICELAND GULLS, and a first-winter THAYER'S-type but not the hoped for Black-headed Gull or Black-legged Kittiwake. Good birding! Willie -------------- Willie D'Anna Betsy Potter Niagara Falls, N.Y. [EMAIL PROTECTED] "Willie D'Anna & Betsy Potter" <[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.
