A 6 Gull Day, 12/11/21

Although it was another slow start to the birding day, in the end it was quite successful with a nice 6 species of gull observed in Orange County. It makes me happy because at this time of the year I am only birding on the weekend, so it’s very rewarding to have a good day. This morning I had a BONAPARTE’S GULL (species #1) at Wickham Lake, and a good number of Ring-billed Gulls (species #2) in the fields nearby. In the afternoon, joined up with gulling buddy Bruce Nott at the Newburgh Waterfront. Bruce was on fire today; not long after my arrival, he spotted and got me on a distant adult ICELAND GULL (species #3). That bird eventually relocated to the roof of Gully’s, where in spite of the very low light we were able to get some shots of the bird. Bruce also located a LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (species #4) in the mess of birds on Gully’s roof. Add to the mix approximately 150 Herring Gulls (species #5) and about a dozen Great Black-backed Gull (species #6), and you have a great day of gulling in the county.

~A Ring-billed Gull comes in for a landing at Bellvale Farm near Wickham Lake, 12/11/21.~
~Adult ICELAND GULL (behind Ring-billed Gull on the roof), showing off its pale primaries. This is a sharp looking bird, it’s a shame we didn’t have any better light for photos.~
~Terrible photo, but adult LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL on the roof of Gully’s at the Newburgh Waterfront, 12/11/21.~
~One more shot of the adult ICELAND GULL on the roof of Gully’s at the Newburgh Waterfront, 12/11/21.~

2 thoughts on “A 6 Gull Day, 12/11/21”

    1. Sorry John! If it’s any consolation, I’m jealous of your shrike! I’ll be heading up that way in the morning to try for it! Matt

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