Bernie Ladouceur, Jan Slumkowski, Paul Mirsky and I found the Slaty-backed Gull (3rd winter) at about 11:00 am today at the Pembroke landfill site (see directions below). It was easy to identify since it was the only dark mantled gull present. Also present were 4 Glaucous (1st winter), 1 Iceland (1st winter), a few Great Black-backed (1st winter) and the usual Herring and Ring-billed gulls. Also, Bernie Ladouceur and I had a bird of interest on the ice on the Ottawa river at the north end of Oakley street (just east of Ottawa beach) at 4 pm today. The gull appeared to be a full adult with a grey mantle slightly paler than a Lesser Black-backed gull. It was Herring gull size or slightly larger, had minimal streaking on the head and nape, was in with Herring gulls not far from a few Great Black-backed gulls. The bill was upper end Herring gull size, yellow with red gonydeal spot. There appeared to be a light dark streak behind the eye. The bird is possibly a adult nonbreeding northern Western gull or a pale headed adult Slaty-backed gull. Unfortunately the bird flushed before we could figure it out. Also present were Glaucous (1st winter), Iceland (adult), 4 Lesser Black-backed (adult) and the usual Herring, Great Black-backed and Ring-billed gulls. To enter the landfill as a guest, call ahead (613-735-7537) to the landfilland ask for Elizabeth Graham. She has some rules and wants everyone tocheck in at the entry office. You wait for the green light and then driveup on the scales to check in. The best time to visit is between 11 AM and 1PM. You shouldn't leave your car unless you are wearing certified safetygear. It is also a good idea to stay in your car and use it as a blind,driving near the gulls very slowly. Scope from the window, althoughbinoculars are sometimes enough. Other gulls at the landfill are HEGU,GBBG, RBGU and GLGU.To get to the landfill, drive north of Eganville staying on Hwy 41 for about14 km., then turn left on B-Line Rd. Go about 2 km. travelling around acurve to the left and at the end of the curve turn left onto County Rd 56,also called Woito Station Road. The landfill is on your right about 3 km.down Cty Rd 56. _________________________________________________________________ Have fun while connecting on Messenger! Click here to learn more. http://entertainment.sympatico.msn.ca/WindowsLiveMessenger_______________________________________________ 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
