Vermont

[josullivan]

For the past week or so there has been an adult Ivory Gull present near Champlain N.Y.  Although I have seen immature Ivory Gull, I have never seen an adult. As the species seems to be in serious decline there may not be much time left to see one.

The area where the gull is being seen is about a 7 hour drive from Toronto on Lake Champlain, crossing the border at Cornwall. I was tempted to go last week but the poor weather stopped me. However, this week looks better but my only day off work is Thursday. However, if somebody was interested in going Wednesday--assuming the bird is still present-- I probably could wangle a day off.

You can check for updates on: birdingonthe.net   Click on Regional under Mailing and then check the Vermont, Northern New York and New York listservs.

Please contact me if interested in chasing this bird.

Regards
Brendan O'Sullivan
Mississauga

P.S.   There is a Northern Hawk Owl and Tufted Duck in the area also.

[josullivan]

It looks like I'm the only crazy chaser out there on this list---Can't say I'm surprised.

I had zero responses and didn't go, and now it looks like the bird is gone.

Hopefully the next time an adult shows up in the northeast it will be considerably closer to Toronto.

Regards

Brendan

[Bluffs Birder]

Hi Brendan,

I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news but we just had an adult Ivory Gull at Cherry Beach in downtown Toronto on February 15, 2010.  Please  click here for info and a couple of photos of the bird seen.  I'd check her page often and also ONTBIRDS as she does post most of her sightings there as well.  She is an extremely knowledgable birder as you'll see.

Walter

[josullivan]

Thanks for the reply, Walter.

I read about the bird on Ontbirds but, unfortunately, it turned out to be a "one day wonder".

I agree Jean is an excellent birder, who specializes in gulls and shorebirds. Her website is well-worth investigating.

Brendan