The first-winter Ivory Gull appears to be roosting on the ice at the end of Baskin Drive. It was there when I left at 5 p.m. To get to the site, take 417 to Arnprior and exit at White Lake exit. Go into Arnprior and turn left at the second lights onto Baskin Drive (just before turning right you will see McDonalds on your left Proceed to the end of Baskin Drive and you will see the Madawaska Headpond straight ahead. Scan the edge of the ice for the bird. DO NOT walk down the point past a closed gate this is private land and the owners do not want anyone on the property.
The gull flew whenever a Bald Eagle flew over it I guess after it had its duck dinner stolen by one of the two eagles seen today it just does not trust them! It may have flown into the Ottawa 50 km circle, and if so it is a first record for Ottawa. Incidentally, this bird shows reduced black on the face unlike other Ivory Gulls that I have seen in Ontario it almost looks like a spot rather than a large blotch. It also has reduced black in the coverts and tail and in flight looks almost pure white. Later in the day a number of large gulls (Great Black-backed, Herring, and one first-winter Glaucous) landed on the ice but the Ivory Gull did not associate with them. When the large gulls left to roost on the Ottawa River the Ivory Gull remained behind. With the current wind it is likely that the open water in the middle of the Headpond will stay open, possibly enticing the Ivory Gull to remain for a while fingers crossed for the Pakenhem-Arnprior CBC on Boxing Day. Good luck to anyone coming tomorrow. I would recommend arriving at daybreak if you are, and scanning the edge of the ice if the water remains open. At times it did sit at some distance from the edge but seemed to return to the edge more often than not. Good lbirding! Michael Runtz _______________________________________________ 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/
