Hey, I spent a few hours watching the gulls coming in to roost at Pittock this evening and was rewarded with a single basic adult Franklin's Gull, which seemed a bit meager considering numbers elsewhere.
I had been watching closely for this species since the strong west winds started a few days ago, as conditions [and timing] seemed almost identical to the last big inland influx of Franklin's here - Nov. 1998. Then, I had four adults on Nov. 11, followed by a stunning 19 birds [again mostly adults] on Nov. 18. So, the same may happen again this year, as it seemed that it took birds [scattershot by the gale] a few days to consolidate at concentration points like Pittock Lake and Wildwood Lake. Dave Martin and Linda Wladarski found even larger numbers in 1998 by looking for birds in plowed fields, in Elgin and Middlesex County. They managed 47 birds on Nov. 20. The Pittock gulls tend to gather at the west end of the lake, so viewing nearest the dam is likely best. From Hwy 59, take Pittock Park Road east to the gates of Pittock CA. Park and walk in. Other birds of note at the lake included 1st basic and 2nd basic Lesser Black-backed Gulls and a single Red-necked Grebe. Cheers, James Holdsworth, Biological Consulting Services 14 Marian St, RR#1 Woodstock, [email protected] 'If one does not fail at times, then one has not challenged himself.'' - Ferdinand Porsche _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to [email protected] For information about ONTBIRDS including how to unsubscribe visit http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdssetup Posting guidelines can be found at http://www.ofo.ca/site/page/view/information.ontbirdsguide
