Today's annual OFO field trip to the Niagara River was a great
success. Between 50-60 birders attended the outing in fine balmy
weather and ideal viewing conditions. We saw a respectable 10 species
of gulls. Most people were interested in learning the fine points of
gull identification. We had excellent views of perched Thayer's Gulls
at Adam Beck Lookout allowing the group to compare them to Herring
Gulls and "Kumlien's" Iceland Gulls.
Little Gull: 1 adult at the Whirlpool and another adult above the
Falls near the barge.
Bonaparte's Gull: Abundant.
Ring-billed Gull: Common.
California Gull: Third basic (winter) individual seen at about 3 p.m.
from Adam Beck
Overlook flying around in front of American dam on the right side.
Herring Gull: Abundant.
Thayer's Gull: 2 adults and 1 juvenile at Adam Beck Overlook and an adult at
Chippawa in a feeding frenzy.
"Kumlien's" Iceland Gull: 6+ adults and 2 juveniles at Adam Beck, 1 juvenile at
Chippawa and 1 juvenile at barge area.
Lesser Black-backed Gull: 8+ at Adam Beck, Chippawa and Goat Island on the
American side.
Glaucous Gull: 1 at Chippawa and 1 at Adam Beck.
Great Black-backed Gull: Many.
Some other birds seen were Hooded Mergansers at Dufferin Islands
reservoir, Tufted Titmouse and Red-bellied Woodpecker at feeders in
Chippawa seen by some of the group, and 1 Tufted Titmouse at Dufferin
Islands with Black-capped Chickadees.
Gulls were very common today along the Niagara River. The anglers at
the Queenston Boat Launch told us that Shiners (minnows) are
plentiful this fall so the gulls have lots of food. The gull season
often extends well into January, usually until there is a deep freeze.
We thank the many people who attended the trip and hope that you had
an excellent day.
Ron Tozer and Jean Iron
OFO Field Trip Leaders
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ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial
birding organization.
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