Glaucous Gull May 16 2013

[jamie]

We were driving home when me and my dad spotted a Glaucous Gull!

We came back a few minutes later and it was still there. We arrived at the field where it was just in time! About a minute later it flew off. We wouldn't of been able to confirm if it was a Glaucous Gull or not if we arrived a minute too late. My dad will post the pictures he got later.

He also says that this a late time to see a Glaucous Gull.

[butterfly]

Congratulations on your super find Super Bird Watcher!
Bruce and Joanne

[Gord]

Here are some pictures. We spotted it on Evans Road in the big field across from the school. As Jamie says, good thing it stuck around for us to take a look at it because gulls in this time of year can start to get worn and quite pale looking which could make a young Glaucous-winged Gull look like a Glaucous Gull. However, the bicoloured bill was apparent, the lack of markings on the primaries and overall shape and proportions also supported our identification. A very good bird indeed to see in middle May. There were three other gulls nearby; all young Glaucous-winged Gulls.

[Chris]

Definitely not a species one would expect to find in May!

Awesome sighting!

[Gord]

Not at all! To have three gulls in a field and one being a Glaucous Gull was quite a surprise. We have a early May record which is quite exciting too.