Gulls in the Gale

Point Pelee was the destination today, as a November gale came in overnight.  The wind direction was out of the west, not the greatest for a Tip watch, but there were lots of birds.  Especially gulls.

Upon arrival at the Tip, there were several feeding frenzies comprising several thousand gulls.  We could not pick out anything of note until a bit later when Richard Carr pointed to a small dark gull.  It was a Franklin's!

A Lesser Black-backed Gull at the very Tip caused some confusion for a while as it is not a plumage we often see here.

Earlier, I had picked out 2 first cycle Lesser Black-backed Gulls.

There were thousands of ducks as well, mostly Red-breasted Mergansers.  Among others, a couple of Long-tailed flew by at one point.
I saw all three scoters as well, but they were few and far between.

I later checked Shuster Trail and walked De Laurier with Steve Pike, but there were very few landbirds.

The Cattle Egret was still at 1715 Concession Rd. E, but too far back for a good view.

I decided to go on to Erieau, and immediately arriving at the pier, I picked out the nice male Harlequin Duck.  There was also an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull on the breakwater.  Lots of Double-crested Cormorants are still around, but they will thin out soon.

Despite the wind, I braved Blenheim Lagoons!  Just inside the gate, I noticed the Cattle Egret in flight. I later saw it near the back pumphouse.
Lots of Northern Shovelers are still around and I estimated about 130.

Shorebirds included 2 Killdeer, about 60 Dunlin and the lingering Semipalmated Sandpiper.  I did not even try to take photos at the lagoons today!

Northerly winds tomorrow....

By the way, check out the London Free Press column by Paul Nicholson. He writes about blogs! Paul is a great guy and excellent writer.
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