Eight birders studied the gull at Whitby harbour over the past hour. It was much closer than the day it was first observed, but still spent most of its time sleeping and behind other gulls. However it eventually came out into the open and offered good looks. Some of the features being observed may not be consistent with a Slaty-backed Gull. Several photos were taken today that will help tell the final story. The light is really tricky and the leg colour is literally changing as the bird turns toward or away from the light. At one time legs looks pale pink, then yellow then yellowish-legged with pink feet. Bizarre light.
It's still an interesting bird, but ??? Whitby harbour is a the foot of Brock St. in Whitby. The mass of gulls is on the ice near the centre of the harbour. Geoff Carpentier www.avocetnatureservices.com _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to [email protected] For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
