Outdoor Ontario
Request for Information => Birding Areas => Topic started by: jackbreakfast on May 25, 2012, 11:33:00 AM
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Greetings, fine folks.
I wonder if any of you are well-familiar with Wheatley Harbor? When I was there two weeks ago the place was lousy with Bonaparte's Gulls, a true treat for me. I wonder if anyone knows of their habits? How long do they stick around? At what times of year can they be found in Southwestern Ontario? Do they migrate to the north and then return in the autumn? Et cetera? I would sincerely appreciate any information at all...recent reports, ideas, tricks, tips. Also: how is Wheatley Harbor in the wintertime? Do all sorts of cozy white-winged gulls hang around? Many thanks for your consideration of this pesky request!
J.B.
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Bonaparte's Gulls (Bonies) breed in the boreal forest, but they can be found year-round in parts of Southern Ontario (mainly Niagara River and Lake Erie, not nearly as common on Lake Ontario) Most common in migration though. I saw lots the last little while at the ferry dock in Leamington and Fish Point on Pelee Island. Never been to Wheatley Harbour so can't comment.
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They used to be common at Presquile Provincial Park in the spring. I don't get down that way very often these days, so I don't know if that's still the case. I have also seen large flocks of them mid-late summer at the Port Perry sewage lagoons (permit required).
BB