Jon Pleizier and I had an adult Mew Gull today in a farmers field northwest of the town of Belwood (Near Arthur/Fergus) late this afternoon. The bird was seen at close range for a few minutes, before flying further into the field, and was eventually lost. The bird was quite large (Ring-billed Gull size) and very dark mantled (closer to Lesser Black-backed Gull in shade) these features (among others) led us to believe it was a "Kamchatka" Mew Gull of eastern Siberia.
I think relocation of this bird in the exact same spot is unlikely. Many fields in the area had Ring-billed Gulls, which were constantly flying from field to field. We believe large numbers of them may roost in Belwood Lake, which is currently drawn down. Searching this area at dusk may provide better odds of relocating it. There is also a compost production facility just south of the town of Arthur, on County Rd 12, which often attracts large numbers of gulls. I do not know if birders are allowed onto this site, but the birds may also roost in nearby fields. Relocation of this bird would probably be tough, it could well be long-gone, but we figured we'd post nonetheless. All the best, Brandon ______________________ Brandon Holden Hamilton, Ontario www.PeregrinePrints.com _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list [email protected] For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
