strange fowl at the portlands

[algoma]

i went driving around cherry beach on the weekend, and when i drove over one of the bridges to cherry beach, i caught sight of a flock of peculiar looking birds.

they were black and white and the white on their heads looked like a bullseye from the side.

i even called my dad (i.e. Mr. Outdoorsman) and every bird he suggested wasn't it.

i'd love to be able to tell him what they were. there were a bunch of cars parked around the area, with people standing around. i can't help but wonder if they were something rare to these parts. then again, maybe they're just rare to me.

would appreciate any suggestions.

[Ron Luft]

If they were afloat one might suggest from the vague description; C.Goldeneye, Bufflehead, Hooded Merg. but more likely Longtail Duck? If on land perhaps a Bonapartes Gull? The last 2 have a variety of molts that present differnt 'looks', check a more detailed guide (Sibley's etc.). All are nice to see but not a rarety this time of year. Hope this helps.

[algoma]

my apologies for the vague description. i'm new to this. i did already look up all the fowl you listed, and, unfortunately, no hits.

i'll keep looking.

thanks for you help.

[Julie]

Were they small songbirds? it's not clear from your description if you saw them afloat or on land, and how big they are. If they're songbirds that were hanging out largely on the ground, they may well have been snow buntings. I saw a flock in Cabbagetown about three weeks ago, in a birch tree-- they always flock, and are a striking black and white at a distance, with a chestnut wash (esp in the sides) becoming clearer closer in and in good light. They are Arctic breeders that often come this far south, especially in cold weather.