Most of the gulls we see in the Toronto area at any time of the year are Ring-billed Gulls.

There are a few Herring Gulls which are larger and do not have rings on their bills as adults:

Now and then the very large Great Black-backed Gulls are seen:

Ring-billed and Herring Gulls have black wing tips:

On land you can see the black at the rear:

Not all gulls have black wing tips, and there were 2 at Ashbridge’s Bay today.

Iceland Gulls (which are actually rare in Iceland) are larger than Ring-bills. Adults have white heads:

In addition to this bird, a juvenile was present. It has a black bill.

Other birds:

Park scenes:

Some botany:

MAILBOX

Miles, my brother has been watching this duck tangled with fishing line and bait, for several days. He would like the pictures to be shared widely to see if there is any way this duck can be helped. Any suggestions?

From Bert

Here are some photos taken this morning in Bowmanville harbour. This duck has a small bag of what looks like fish eggs which has been in about the same position on his side for at least the past three days. The duck does not appear to have difficulty swimming and diving. It has been swimming up and down the harbour channel, and diving repeatedly, for the past few days. However in two of the photos you can see a monofilament line which appears to reach back and around one wing, so I wonder if it would be able to fly well, especially all the way to the arctic coast.
Since I have read that this species is in steep decline, it really bothers me to see this. I wonder if there is anybody I can contact for help in freeing this bird from this entanglement.
– Bart
Bart Hawkins Kreps
Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada
bart@anoutsidechance.com
http://www.anoutsidechance.com

NATURE POETRY

The trailing moss and mystic glow
Purple blossoms soft as snow
Step up and drop the coin right into the slot
The fading light of sunset glowed
It’s crowded on the narrow road
Who cares whether you forgive me or not. – Bob Dylan

Miles Hearn