I was out at dawn to the lower Bluffs near Brimley Road.







In the boat launch parking lot, some people have the unfortunate habit of throwing their fast food litter about. It does, however, attract gulls who will happily eat almost anything.
Among these gulls was a Lesser Black-backed Gull:

Unlike the enormous Great Black-backed Gull, Lessers are just a little larger than a Ring-billed Gull. Common in Europe, they are rare but increasing in numbers in North America.
Other gulls in these photos are a juvenile Herring Gull (which is larger than a Ring-billed Gull and has pink legs):


Ring-bills:



Ring-bills and Herring Gulls show black wings tips. Another gull here today does not: an Iceland Gull:












For the next few weeks, ever larger numbers of birds will be in our area as migration reaches its peak.
During June Breeding Bird Surveys in Northern Ontario, I have sometimes been thrilled to hear as many as five White-throated Sparrows singing their “Dear sweet Canada Canada Canada” chants at the same time. This morning I heard at least a dozen singing at the same moment!







MYSTERY BIRD
At the end of the post, I will identify it.

Other birds:



























MYSTERY BIRD
The well-named Black and White Warbler

MAILBOX
Hi Miles,
I have never seen brown wing feathers on a Hairy Woodpecker before. Is this unusual?



Miles note: I have never seen this before.
NATURE POETRY
I once had a sparrow alight upon my shoulder for a moment
while I was hoeing in a village garden,
and I felt that I was more distinguished by that circumstance
than I should have been by any epaulet I could have worn. – William Wordsworth
Miles Hearn
thanks
Another hybrid? I would love to know what’s up with the brown feathers! Wonderful, to see two more varieties of gulls, and a Black and White Warbler (so many types of Warbler!) Must have been great to hear those White-throated Sparrow choruses! I think I saw a Raven early one morning in my neighbourhood–it seemed to be way too big to be a crow, but I’m not sure. And the Brown Thrashers, Hermit Thrush–all the pictures and birds were absolutely great! I love this place. Thanks, Miles!