Outdoor Ontario

Photography => Ontario Birds => Topic started by: rcflier on October 18, 2012, 05:38:32 PM

Title: Black-backed gull
Post by: rcflier on October 18, 2012, 05:38:32 PM

At Lakefront Promenade Park at the bottom of Hampton Drive in Lakeview. On the west side if the point there is a very prominent sandbar now due to low water levels in the lake.

I spotted what I believe to be a Greater Black-backed Gull.  Note the "pink" ( not yellow ) legs.
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-69KiSGuM_MQ/UIBvHOKwitI/AAAAAAAAIlg/8DQuzRcsHzY/s576/DSC_2161.JPG)

This appears to be an adult.Note the yellow spot on the lower mandible, however, the typical accompanying red spot is not apparent.  
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rN1Az2N2bfc/UIBwCyA9brI/AAAAAAAAImQ/eMwrsvsVROI/s576/DSC_2209.JPG)

His buddy may be a 1st year Black-backed gull, or a Herring gull
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-uLriu9rEh3Q/UIBwYqjWiCI/AAAAAAAAImY/Z9_6e79P_R4/s576/DSC_2227.JPG)

Title: Re: Black-backed gull
Post by: thouc on October 19, 2012, 02:52:06 PM

Yes, Great Black-backed Gull, but an adult as a younger bird would have black markings at the tip of the bill (and no spot) and not entirely black back.

Title: Re: Black-backed gull
Post by: rcflier on October 19, 2012, 05:55:34 PM

Thanks for the tighter clarification Thomas, much appreciated.

Title: Re: Black-backed gull
Post by: thouc on October 19, 2012, 08:09:43 PM

And the younger bird I think is a 2nd year Herring Gull, as it's starting to get a grey back.

/Thomas