[NatureNS] Sullivans Pond gulls; updates on Ross's/Snow Geese, Marsh Wren,

Date: Tue, 08 Jan 2013 14:26:00 -0400
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All:

I passed by Sullivans Pond, Dartmouth around 1 p.m. today, and briefly  
scanned the large mixed flock of gulls thereon. I failed to see the  
Common Gull so well documented by Bernard Burke's photos, but there  
was an ad. Lesser Black-backed in the mix - rather dark, in the manner  
of intermedius perhaps, although the light was dim.

I had been coming back from a brief trip with Dave Currie to check on  
the Marsh Wren reported earlier in E. Lawrencetown, and the  
"Audubon's" Warbler at Rainbow Haven. We saw Swamp and Song Sparrow at  
the former site, and Myrtles, Golden-crowned Kinglets, and Tree  
Sparrows at the latter. But, we missed both "target" species - the  
wind was up and the birds flighty and elusive.

Checked on the golf course. geese, which were grazing on the fairway  
slope close the the road before it bends toward the golf course  
parking area. Great views, but dim for photos. We commented on two  
easily spotted differences between the Snows and Ross's that others  
have noted, but seem worth pointing out. The Ross's has a considerably  
whiter plumage (noted in Sibley's guide) and more vividly pink legs  
(depicted but not commented on in the Nat. Geogr. Guide). Might be  
worth checking web photos to see how this holds up. Last evening's  
gathering of Snow Geese at MacCormick's Beach  was not there.

Cheers, Ian

Ian McLaren.



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