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Post by Gord on Jan 9, 2011 23:08:48 GMT -8
This afternoon had a chance to take a quick peek at Sardis Pond. There were not a lot of gulls out there, so this big Glaucous Gull was easy to spot.  The white wings really stick out!  It was not long before I spotted another one! I think this is the first time Ive ever seen two at one time. The 'other one' is in focus and the first one is in the foreground.  This one is a little more petit, rounded head, shorter bill and longer winged. If smaller, Iceland Gull might be considered but Im pretty certain this is just a smaller individual, likely a female.  A Bald Eagle flew over causing everyone to fly.  A flock of seven Greater White-fronted Geese were there as well. The Cackling Geese and Canada Geese were about 50/50 but I think many were heading out to feed as I came. Being family day, did not want to be too long, but snapped a couple other photos. My favourites are below. The light is very nice in the afternoon there.     |
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Post by oldfulica on Jan 10, 2011 9:17:59 GMT -8
You just gave me a reason to get to Sardis pond Gord. It's great how these unusual gulls seem to find their way there.
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Post by Chris on Jan 10, 2011 13:30:49 GMT -8
Nice sighting Gord along with great pictures! I made a little detour this morning to Sardis Pond before school to see if I could see at least one. I didn't see them.
Of note Salish Pond which is by the Chilliwack Library has a lot of gulls as well. I didn't stop in but I'll check both places tomorrow I think.
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Post by Gord on Jan 10, 2011 16:49:04 GMT -8
Len, Chris and others, those sites are good during poor, cold weather where the gulls come and go all day long to get at the open water. Salish Pond was good today with lots of diversity (but nothing exciting in terms of rare ones) The close looks are a great place to learn the gulls, if one is so inclined. All the regular 'big' gulls where there along with a healthy assortment of hybrids.
Good luck tomorrow, Chris.
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Post by davepeppar on Jan 11, 2011 9:04:50 GMT -8
Thanks for the id on the gull. I go to Sardis regularly and did see the "big" gull but did not know what it was.
Also had a Coot walking around and noticed their green feet. Very large and with a nice design.
I'm usually alone at the park but had my grandson with me and because of that was followed by the domestic goose and many ducks. They associate kids with food I guess.
Dave P
Chilliwack
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Post by kenpossum on Jan 11, 2011 11:44:46 GMT -8
Great images and tips Gord. Sardis Pond is only 2 min away from where I live, so guess where I will be in three min!. Got to find the Glaucous Gulls! On a mission Gord!
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Post by Chris on Jan 11, 2011 14:21:56 GMT -8
I was there around 10:30. I wasn't there long but I didn't see either of the Glaucous Gulls. Ken, hopefully you had better luck than me.
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Post by kenpossum on Jan 11, 2011 21:17:12 GMT -8
As luck would have it, a pair of bald eagles were harassing everything when I drove into the parking lot. They disappeared by the time I made it to the pond. Then several hundred Canada and Cackling Geese arrived causing the gulls to disappear for awhile, so no luck on the Glaucous Gulls. As Arnie would say,"I'll be back".
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Post by kenpossum on Jan 11, 2011 21:18:49 GMT -8
Gord, the colour of the water surrounding the American Wigeons is spectacular. Love the Coote take-off as well.
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Post by Gord on Jan 11, 2011 22:06:14 GMT -8
Dave, glad I could help. Ive also noticed that my kids attract more webbed-foot attention than I do.
Ken, keep trying. The gulls rotate through there all day long. Pretty sure most of the few thousand in the area visit the pond at some point in the day. Thanks as well for the comments. A bit of distracting white colour in the water on the male wigeon, but the female was better.
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