Niagara Falls Birds

Anonymous · **on:** April 19, 2009, 12:20:27 AM

Here's a few from the fast water today.

Mathew Rossi · **Reply #1 on:** April 19, 2009, 07:35:51 AM

Nice variety, I like the last shot the best. What kind of birds are they, I don't know my shorebirds/gulls very well.

Cody · **Reply #2 on:** April 19, 2009, 10:09:00 AM

Where was this in Niagara Falls?

Bird Brain · **Reply #3 on:** April 19, 2009, 10:19:00 AM

Attila ... great shots!

Jo-Anne

Anonymous · **Reply #4 on:** April 19, 2009, 11:33:14 AM

Mathew - the gulls with the black heads are called Bonaparte's Gulls. Really quite impressive to see and if you time it right, like within the next week or 2, you'll be able to see birds in non breeding, breeding, and some in between the two plumages. If you take a look at the bird on the left in the last shot, you'll see it hasn't changed all its plumage yet. They're also very interesting to watch, as I saw them routinely harass and dive bomb juvie greater black back and herring gulls throughout the afternoon. Thanks for the comments.

Cody - instead of following the crowd to the main attraction, the main falls, go to the right towards the shoreline at the old hydro plant. This will have you on the upper falls where the currents are strong and you'll see Bonaparte's, along with Mergansers, some remnant Buffleheads, and various other gulls such as Herring and Greater Black Backs out there that come close to shore at times. It's a nice break away from the crowds that are there every time the nice weather rolls around.

Jo-Anne - thanks for the compliment, it is most appreciated.

Niloc · **Reply #5 on:** April 19, 2009, 12:55:49 PM

Wow Attila excellent pics you really get around...

Anonymous · **Reply #6 on:** April 19, 2009, 01:18:55 PM

Thanks Colin, I try my best to visit new locations at least every 2nd week to see what, if anything, can be found. Not sure where I'll head next, as there are just so many options close to Toronto to choose from.

I think, too, that as nice as the close locales are, like the Bluffs or CSSP, or the Spit, sometimes we just need to venture out on a nice day and see what else is around to see since you never know what can be found if you just go out and explore.

Cheers, Attila

Bird Brain · **Reply #7 on:** April 19, 2009, 03:39:13 PM

Quote from: "Attila"

Jo-Anne - thanks for the compliment, it is most appreciated.

You're most welcome, Attila. I always enjoy your photos of both the "feathered" and the "metal" birds!

btw - have you ever visited Dufferin Islands at Niagara Falls? Great location for birds and you never know what wildlife you might luck out and see. The only place I've ever seen a pure white squirrel (with black eyes) many years ago.

Jo-Anne

Anonymous · **Reply #8 on:** April 19, 2009, 05:02:37 PM

Thanks again Jo-Anne.

I haven't visited the Dufferin Islands yet because I'm trying to head more into south western Ontario and later this year, probably into October and November, I'll be heading up to Thunder Bay for some time up there to do some searching for some of Ontario's bigger birds and mammals. :wink:

Cheers, Attila

CliveRichards · **Reply #9 on:** April 22, 2009, 04:49:07 AM

Very Nice variety Birds and nice photos in Niagara Falls .
http://www.embassysuitesniagara.com/

egret · **Reply #10 on:** April 23, 2009, 03:11:52 PM

Attilla:

I so enjoyed these photos
and how graceful these
gulls appear

Do you ever go to Lynde shore area
or Cranberry marsh Atilla?

Tks

Egret

Anonymous · **Reply #11 on:** April 24, 2009, 02:14:00 AM

Thanks Egret, I appreciate the comment.

I've been to Lynde Shores and Cranberry Marsh on a couple of occasions but mostly for shooting sparrows and other smaller birds. Fun times, especially if you go with kids and feed everything by hand.