Birder's At about 1300 hrs today I spotted a adult Mew Gull in with a large group of Ring-billed Gulls at the main garbage pile at SSM Landfill.
I initially noted it in a large group of 100s of feeding Ring-billed Gulls as it had a darker mantle than the accompanying Ring-billeds by at least a shade or two. I then immediately noted that it had a large white tertial crescent and even a small white scapular crescent. It was facing away from me so I couldn't see the head or bill at that point but was pretty convinced it was a Mew Gull based the plumage, size and yellowish legs. I debated on whether to get my camera out of the back seat but waited as I was afraid to take me eye of the birds as there were over 1000 gulls in a feeding frenzy. Shortly thereafter it turned and I noted a dark eye and its slim unmarked dull yellow bill. At that point I had a bit of a panic attack and started fumbling for my camera in the back seat . I got it out of its bag and then scanned the gulls to try to refind the bird. It was not immediately apparent and then much to my consternation a truck pulled up to the pile with garbage creating the usual mass exodus and fly about. I stayed for 3 plus hours more without getting another glimpse of the bird. I felt very confident based on the my initial observations that this was an adult Mew Gull in fading alternate plumage-(just a few streaks on its head) but was pretty disappointed not to be able to get even any documentation photos. Maybe with some luck it will return or be spotted along the St. Mary's River. The main concentration of Ring-billeds is usually around Bellevue Park so keep an eyes open it is likely still around. This species has never previously been reported in the Sault Area and I will submit my observations to the OBRC for their consideration. There were a record number of Ring-billed Gulls at the dump today with a conservative estimate of 750-1000 plus 2500+ Herring Gulls as well as at least 3 juvenile LBB Gulls. Kirk Zufelt SSM Landfill main dumpsite is an industrial sight and not open to the general public viewing. _______________________________________________ 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/
