Nick and I visited the Frank W. Spencer Boat Ramp Park in Savannah, GA this past Sunday, and we discovered that this place was a great little treasure of a spot to find shorebirds, gulls, terns, and other water birds. We went at low tide in the evening and found at least 28 species. But one in particular caught our eye.
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| Black-Headed Gull - Notice the size difference with the Ring-Billed Gull |
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| Black-Headed Gull |
We noticed a small gull hanging out with a peculiar grouping of birds. Hooded Mergansers, Snowy Egrets, and Ring-Billed gulls were traveling across the water in a tight little pack. We found it funny that this hodge podge of birds were hanging out together. And then there was this little gull that we at first glance figured to be a Bonaparte's Gull due to its size, stature, and markings on its head. However, upon closer inspection, we noticed that it had a thicker, red bill. This most certainly had to be something different.
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| Black-Headed Gull - The bill is clearly red and quite stout (compared to a Bonaparte's Gull). And the mantle is quite clean and pale. |
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| Black-Headed Gull |
After coming home to check our field guides and compare them to the photos we took, we determined that this must be a Black-Headed Gull! The bill color and shape, along with the pale mantle gives it away. Nick and I were ecstatic at this possibility that we've stumbled upon such a rarity for these parts, but we've had some birding experts confirm that this must be a Black-Headed Gull, if not something more rare. This is truly amazing. We are working through the proper channels to get the word out, but we wanted to post this here ASAP.
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| Black-Headed Gull |
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| Black-Headed Gull |
Nick went back to the boat ramp/dock this morning around 8am, around low tide, and was able to relocate the gull amongst about 30 Hooded Mergansers. We went back again to the dock around 11am, but were not able to relocate the gull, or much of anything else for that matter. The tide was high, and not too much was around except for a handful of Hooded Mergansers, some Double Crested Cormorants, and a few herons and egrets. We will go back again this evening closer to low tide to try to get more pics, especially of the underwing, to reinforce this sighting as a Black-Headed Gull. This is truly the best Valentine's Day gift! Better than all the chocolate and roses money can buy!
Great find! That's got to be a high-quality bird for Georgia.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Steve! It certainly appears to be causing a stir. We're pretty proud of ourselves, not normally being gull people, for getting this one right.
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ReplyDeleteAccording to Ebird there are only a few sightings for this species within the state. Great find. I may chase after this one.
ReplyDeleteVery cool! I hope it sticks around long enough to make it worth your while. We checked for it again this evening, but with no luck. We'll be back first thing in the morning, for low tide, which is hopefully the key. If you do seriously intend to come, feel free to email us so we can try and give you the latest info: hipsterbirders at gmail dot com
DeleteThat's super, congratulations! If it flushes, try to have it fly over towards Arizona.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Laurence! We haven't been able to find it this afternoon or evening, so it may very well be on it's way. Say 'hi' for us.
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