Bonaparte's Gulls

[Bill Hohengarten]

When I was camped on Big Moose Lake the last couple days, I got a good look and listen at a lone Bonaparte's Gull and later on saw a flock of 10 of them flying around the lake (their distinctive call, which I had not heard before this trip, gave them away). I have never seen these gulls in breeding plumage or up in this area before. The bird books say they are migrants, not breeders, in our area. I'm wondering if others are seeing them, or if they are very common or unusual around here?

Bill

[Patrick Z]

Last Thursday afternoon before the EFN Loon program in Tower Bill Teft, Calvin and myself stopped by the holding ponds in Tower.  We saw three Bonaparte's Gulls among the many ducks that were there.  Bill's spotting scope provided a great view of them.

Pat

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From: Bill Hohengarten <bill.hoh...@gmail.com>
To: Ely Field Naturalists <elyfieldn...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Saturday, May 18, 2013 9:11 AM
Subject: {Ely Field Naturalists} Bonaparte's Gulls

When I was camped on Big Moose Lake the last couple days, I got a good look and listen at a lone Bonaparte's Gull and later on saw a flock of 10 of them flying around the lake (their distinctive call, which I had not heard before this trip, gave them away).  I have never seen these gulls in breeding plumage or up in this area before.  The bird books say they are migrants, not breeders, in our area.  I'm wondering if others are seeing them, or if they are very common or unusual around here?

Bill

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[Steve Wilson]

Bill,
I saw the flock (five birds at the time) at the Tower Settling Ponds on
Wednesday, and their call really caught my attention also. I'm guessing
they're occasionally seen during migration on the larger lakes, in
particular, but before this week I don't recall the last time I've seen them
away from Lake Superior up here, if ever.
Steve Wilson

-----Original Message-----
From: elyfieldn...@googlegroups.com
[mailto:elyfieldn...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Bill Hohengarten
Sent: Saturday, May 18, 2013 9:11 AM
To: Ely Field Naturalists
Subject: {Ely Field Naturalists} Bonaparte's Gulls

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[Norma Malinowski]

In the past I have seen them at the Winton Treatment ponds but I haven't
seen them this year.

[Bill Hohengarten]

Thanks for all the feedback. I think it's an interesting bird. Bill