Outdoor Ontario

Discussion => Behaviour => Topic started by: paul_reeves on July 30, 2012, 04:55:11 PM

Title: Upside-down Bonaparte's Gull
Post by: paul_reeves on July 30, 2012, 04:55:11 PM

I visited the Nonquon Lagoons today, and saw my first Bonaparte's Gull. What was unusual, though, was that one actually turned it's head completely upside-down. Is this normal?

http://www.paulreeves.ca/html/nature/bi ... quest.html (http://www.paulreeves.ca/html/nature/birds/bird_id_request/bird_id_request.html)

Thanks,

Paul

Title: Re: Upside-down Bonaparte's Gull
Post by: thouc on July 30, 2012, 06:33:42 PM

That's a freaky shot and I don't think it's normal, I haven't seen them doing it.

Title: Re: Upside-down Bonaparte's Gull
Post by: paul_reeves on July 31, 2012, 10:19:24 AM

This was the fourth in a series of five shots taken in about a second. The first and fifth shot the bird's head is upright as normal. The second shot it is slightly cocked and the third shot it is at about 90°. In the field I didn't even see it and didn't know I had this shot until I got home and had it on my computer.

On another note, I have just added another photo. This should be posted in the "Bird ID" section, but I didn't want to confuse posts. It was taken shortly after the Boney at the Nonquon Lagoons. I originally thought it was a juvenile Yellow Warbler, but now I am not sure. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Title: Re: Upside-down Bonaparte's Gull
Post by: thouc on August 01, 2012, 09:09:39 AM

Probably a juv. Common Yellowthroat, particularly considering the habitat.

Title: Re: Upside-down Bonaparte's Gull
Post by: paul_reeves on August 04, 2012, 10:43:59 AM

Thanks again.