Slaty-backed, Lesser Black-backed & Iceland (Thayer's) Gulls at Mohawk Lake

Adult Slaty-backed Gull in winter plumage at Mohawk Lake in Brantford on 21 November 2019, found by Bill Lamond on 19 November 2019. Mohawk Lake is close to Brantford land fill, which attracts hundreds of gulls. After feeding at the dump, the gulls bathe in the lake then fly to the ice to preen and rest. All is peaceful until a Bald Eagle or sometimes a Red-tailed Hawk goes over and flushes all the gulls - as in video.

VIDEO: Slaty-backed Gull at Mohawk Lake

Identified by its pink legs, mantle shade, dark around the eye, wide tertial crescent and string of pearls shown in spread wing - many good photos taken by others. Mohawk Lake on 21 November 2019.

Adult Lesser Black-backed Gull in winter plumage. There were at least 4 adults present. It has much smaller tertial crescent and yellow legs. Mohawk Lake on 21 November 2019.

Juvenile Lesser Black-backed Gull - most species of northern gulls hold their juvenile plumage longer than southern breeding gulls. Mohawk Lake on 21 November 2019.

This bird is on the Thayer's/Kumlien's cline. Mohawk Lake on 21 November 2019.