More Glaucous Gulls Jan 26

[Gord]

Just like Chris's pygmy-owls, once you see something new, in my case, more than one Glaucous Gulls together, it seems to get more common all of a sudden. I bet Chris will get another pygmy owl soon to prove the theory right.

Anyway, did a quick burn through east Chilliwack. A lot of gulls around enjoying the wet fields. On Gibson near the overpass there were two Glaucous Gulls!







A little further out, was a Western Gull. (the darker backed gull)



All the gulls, asides from California, Ring-billed and Mew, were well represented.

A nice Western Meadowlark posed and even sang a little bit before heading back to join his friends in the field also on Gibson.





At Banford were a few American Pipits flying over and I heard Horned Lark(s) somewhere out in the field. Bald Eagles are EVERYWHERE. Must have been pushing 100 just from the casual visit. As Chris noticed from Sumas Prairie, Northern Pintail is very numerous numbering several hundred. Denis, who has a lot of years birding the area, was commenting with me recently how we've never seen this kind of numbers of them in the past. Among all the puddle ducks was an Eurasian Wigeon which seem to be a little on the scarce side this year compared to others.

Several places Red-winged Blackbird males were seeming to set up shop and considering territory. One was also making his presence known at Cheam Lake. Spring is not far off. ;D

That's all for now.

[Chris]

Nice report Gord.

I wondered if that was an unusual high count for Northern Pintails. I don't see them that often.

I tried to spot at least one of the Glaucous Gulls today but came up short. Almost all of the gulls were on McGuire road, quite a ways out too, instead of Gibson. There had to be at least one thousand there. I did spot a Western.

I'm expecting a Pygmy Owl in my backyard any day now!

[wes]

Nice set of shots, Gord, I really like the first WM shot.

[Gord]

One juvenile Glaucous Gull on Gibson Rd over lunch today in east Chilliwack. It was just south of Prairie Central. On the same road, just north of Prairie Central was a nice Western Gull. Lots of other gulls of good species minus Mew, Ring-billed and California Gull from my quick look.

[Gord]

Another juvenile Glaucous Gull, this time from the highway just west of the Vedder Road overpass this eveing. A flock of about 100 gulls were in and around the puddle in one of the corn fields to the north. After a dry spell of this species last winter, there seems to be a few around (or we're just happening across the same birds which is more likely)

Tomorrow could be a good gull day in the fields.

[Chris]

Ever since Gord spotted Glaucous Gulls at Sardis Park, I have tried a few times to see them but I haven't. After studying cell bio for a good three hours I needed a break. I took Dave's advice and checked out the Annis road overpass (great suggestion Dave). There were a few gulls in the field and as I was driving by, I noticed a whiter than normal gull. I turned around and spotted it. An adult Glaucous Gull! A lifer.



Here it is taking off

[Dave]

Nice bird, Chris. Sure is white!

[Gord]

Chris, super find! I wonder if possibly that is a 3rd or even 2nd winter bird. That would explain the more pale mantle and lack of much streaking in the head. Mind you, some birds might start to molt the streaks in favour of white heads and necks for summer plumage. Too bad the bill is dirty so one cant say for sure, but looks like a bit of a black tip there too. Body shape and head shape is great for a Glaucous Gull (not that there's any doubt about that part!)
Good stuff! Two lifers in an afternoon is great. Thanks for the message on this guy, was thrilled to see you got one.