Glaucous Gull and Western Gull -- Bailey Landfill

[paulos]

I spent some time watching and studying the large flocks of gulls around the Bailey Landfill this afternoon (numbering well over a thousand). Among those I could see as they landed, I was rewarded with a striking pure adult Western Gull. Later I noticed a light first year gull with the large, distinct, pink and black tipped bill of a Glaucous Gull--my first!

If you have a scope and can stand the smell (and the gulls are not too active) this is a great spot. There were lots of blackbirds with the starlings as well.

[Ben]

Hi Paul,
Great sightings. Where do you view them from? I presume you don't actually enter the drop off area?

[paulos]

Hey Jon,

No, I have asked before if I can go onto the site and that was not permitted. I go to the end of the road into the dump. If you continue straight there is a closed gate. I typically park before there to the side of the road (after the turnoff to the entrance) and bird from there. With a scope I can see many of the gulls in the landfill area (if they are still). Sometimes it is also better to check the fields in front of the dump or the playing fields as they are occasionally full of gulls.

[Chris]

Good sightings Paul. As you say excellent area for gulls.

I miss looking at gull flocks. I haven't seen either of those species in a few years.

[Gord]

Paul good birds and congrats on the new one. It's getting tougher and tougher to find a pure Western Gull these days with all the hybridization. Great to have one for the list.