The Ross’s Gull (code 3) is an ARCTIC bird rarely seen in the Lower 48 states. It would be a “code 5” except that you can reliably see it in October…..in Barrow, Alaska! Two weeks ago I had a plane ticket from Tucson to SF to see the celebrated Ross’s Gull in Half Moon Bay. That was the bird that thrilled thousands of birders for three days but perished at the talons of a peregrine falcon in front of hundreds. Luckily I checked the SF birding Listserv six hours before the flight and saved myself $ and anguish.
It makes NO SENSE but another Ross’s Gull was reported last weekend in the Adirondack region. I don’t believe two Ross’s Gulls have ever been spotted in the USA (ex-Alaska) in the same year. This incredible sighting is clearly a result of climate change combined with a greater number of keen-eyed birders around the country. This first-year-very-lost-male has been walking ON frozen Tupper Lake (nr. Lake George) for several days desperately searching for its next meal. Locals have tossed carrion onto the ice to help it refuel. Another peregrine will likely predate this little, fatigued and conspicuous gull any day.
Fortunately for me, I had a trip planned to Vermont this week. A three hour detour to see a “life bird” was a no-brainer. But would the bird survive long enough for me to see and photograph it? Selfish thought, I know, but that’s being totally honest.
As I pulled into the designated viewing spot….the Tupper Lake boat launch…an enthusiastic young fellow dressed in barely more than a tee-shirt and blue jeans in the 10F temperature, waved me over to a group of ten others gathered at the ice’s edge. I checked the license plates of the other cars as I tried to calmly walk over to them. Ct, Mass, Md, NY, NY, NY, and me. The bird was about 1/4 mile out on the ice and the 26 yr old Yale PHD student eagerly showed me the Ross’s Gull through his scope. I thanked him, learned he was at Middlebury the same time as my Tyler, and he was quickly back on his way to New Haven to make a night class.
I reflected on our brief exchange. Seeing another life bird is exhilarating and it is sort of comforting feeling relatively “normal” in this crowd of birding zealots. But mostly I was gratified to know that the next generation of birders had fledged.
720 “ABA Area” lifetime bird species
birdtalesblog 
congrats George……
Great story, George, as always. As it happens, I know Tupper Lake quite well. Our daughter went to Long Lake Camp for three summers, and we stayed in Tupper Lake every year while visiting her.
Interesting George â good spot â tough story for the bird â how does it get so off course? Zies
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Mystery why it is so far out of range. First year male. Not likely to survive.
Wow. Way to go George!
Congratulations on all counts George. Beautiful picture. Hope he survived the Peregrines.
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Deborah E. Glass 610-999-6031 (c)
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Thanks Deborah….gull hasn’t been seen since Feb 2.
Love the story Georgeâ¦
720!
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Cheers Linc. Been a great 2017 bird-wise. Hope all is well in yr world!
Go #721!!
Sent from my iPhone – please excuse any typos.
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You misspelt typo. Thje correct spellign is “tpyo.”
Great story, George — any news on the gull since your sighting?
Gull has not been seen since FEB 2
Great stuff, Bro! Love the stories you tell!
Well worth the “three hour tour” I’d say, Woody! Nicely done, “720′, and without a smidge of PEDs to taint your record, either!!
Hah! Performance Enhancing Donuts.
Awesome George
Waiting to see your post on the black-backed oriole?? Mike O
got it early this morning! But I cannot believe it is wild…..