Although these birds have been present for a while and reported on the Western New York birding list (Genesee Birds), I haven't seen anything on Ontbirds about them and thought Ontario birders may be interested.
Black-legged Kittiwake - This bird is present around the south end of Squaw Island in Buffalo. When I saw it this afternoon, it frequently flew out into Ontario waters and should be viewable from the Ontario side of the river. If viewed from the US side, the Kittiwake is very accommodating and gave views down to within a few feet! Black-headed Gull - Present around the north end of Squaw Island, in the area of Rich Marina. I saw the bird yesterday, perched on the grass around the marina. It's with several thousand Bonaparte's Gulls, so can take a while to find. I didn't see the bird fly out into Canadian waters, but it presumably must do so from time to time. Probably not as easy to see from/in Ontario as the Kittiwake, but still possible. I also checked out the Niagara area today. The number of gulls was greatly reduced from a few weeks ago. There were at least 5 Iceland Gulls and 2 Thayer's Gulls at Adam Beck, but nothing else of note. Good Birding, Gavin Platt Toronto, ON Directions: Kittiwake: Squaw Island is located in the Niagara River, just north of the Peace Bridge. A good place to view from Ontario is probably the pull-off on Niagara Blvd, just north of Bertie St. in Ft. Erie. In Buffalo, the south end of Squaw Island is accessed from the west end of W. Ferry St, at Niagara St. Black-headed Gull: The north end of Squaw Island is part of Squaw Island Park, which is accessed off Niagara St (west side), just north of Wayne St. in Buffalo. Another good vantage point is from the area around Rich Marine Sales at the foot of Austin St (also west from Niagara St). In Ontario, this is approximately across from the intersection of Niagara Blvd. and Central Ave. in Ft. Erie. _______________________________________________ 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/
