Hello Ontbirders This morning, on the sand spit of Andrew Haydon Park East, there was an adult winter Vega Gull (Larus vegae or Larus argentatus vegae - take your pick). The bird was observed from relatively close range, from various angles, in good overcast lighting, for several minutes. *The bird was significantly darker backed than surrounding Herrings. But, much lighter than a nearby Lesser Black-backed. *A fairly big gull, just slightly larger than Herring. *Eye was slightly darker than Herring. *Bill was shorter than average Herring. *Dusky streaks on nape and crown were less than average Herring. *White tertial crescent was identical thickness to Herring. *Leg colour was difficult to observe due to surrounding birds. However, brief views indicate little, or no, difference compared to Herring. *It appeared to have only one white mirror on primary tips.
Other birds present included one blue morph Snow Goose (Greater) and one Cackling Goose. In other news... I just received a belated report (well observed from close range Sunday evening) of a Great Gray Owl located on a residence 10 kms west of Almonte (outside the Ottawa 50K district). If the bird returns, I'll try to get specific directions. Cheerio Tony http://www3.sympatico.ca/beck.tony/ Directions to Andrew Haydon Park courtesy of Neily World: http://members.rogers.com/larry.neily/birding.htm >From Highway 417 (The Queensway) take exit 129 (Greenbank & Pinecrest Roads). If travelling west, the 0.3 km offramp dumps you right or north onto Pinecrest Road. If driving east, a 0.3 km offramp brings you to Pinecrest/Greenbank Road, where you will turn left or north onto Pinecrest Road and in 0.4 km join the westbound offramp traffic. Both groups will now follow Pinecrest Road north 1.0 km from here to Carling Avenue. Turn left or west on Carling and go 2.0 km to the turnoff for the parking lot for Andrew Haydon Park on the right or north. Turn right into the lot.
