Birders,
Just after 5:05 pm this evening I observed a single adult bird foraging among
Bonaparte's and Little Gulls off Minet's Point Park in Barrie. It's small
rounded head and short bill/neck were immediately quite noticeable, as well a
thin black trailing edge to the primaries which appeared very clear cut.
I watched this individual fly back and forth with the other gulls with a
flight action that can only be described as fluttery and swallow like, with a
quick almost snapped upstroke followed by a slower downbeat. After about 40
minutes of observation the bird landed on the water among a raft of BOGU. Its
shorter deep red bill was very evident at this point but its stay on the water
was short lived due to a passing boat at high speed.
After another 30 minutes of effort I was unable to relocate the bird.
Perhaps the strong East winds over the last week can explain such an
occurrence, as this is an exceptional record for Lake Simcoe and Kempenfelt Bay.
I will return again at first light to try to hopefully re-find it among the
2000+ Bonaparte's out on the bay.
Of note there were at least 7 adult Little Gulls and 2 first winter birds
present during my stay.
Directions: Minet's Point Park can be reached by traveling east on Lakeshore Dr
from downtown Barrie and turning right on Minet's Point Rd. Turn right on White
Oaks Rd until you reach the park on your left.
Good birding!
Dave Szmyr
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