Lesser Black backed Gull in Okanagan; chase?

[tmanson]

Fellow Fraser Valley Birders: On bcintbird, Don Cecile is reporting an adult Lesser Black backed Gull at the mouth of Vernon Creek. I think this is at least the third year in a row he has found one there.
Obviously, this is late notice, but I am thinking of going up there early tomorrow morning. If anyone is interested in tagging along, I will drive; ( 4 wheel drive, and two new tires!!). I am out this evening after 5:00 p.m. but you can leave a message at 869-9961, or call me on my cell at 604-750-8220. Cheers. Thor

Thor Manson
Hope, B.C.

[Gord]

Thanks for the offer, Thor. I might have considered, but my out of town trip opportunities are far and few between sadly.

Some discussion of this bird though. This has been the third year its gone there to winter. As this species is from Europe, is it going back to Europe each summer? While anything is possible, I doubt it. I suspect this bird hangs out with the California and Ring-bills and goes up with them to their breeding grounds and back to winter. In short, does its thing here now. If it went back to Europe, it stands to reason/probability that it wouldnt get mixed up three times and come all the way back to get lost at the same place, unless of course, he likes it here.

Maybe it's breeding with a California gull! Yay. Just what we all need. More hybrid gulls!