The Illinois Ornithological Society (IOS) hosted its 12th annual Gull Frolic this last Saturday, 16 February 2013. As always the event was a huge succes with at least 150 participants. For those not familiar with this event, it takes place at the North Point Marina Yacht Club near the IL/WI state line on Lake Michigan. Besides the great number of winter gulls being viewed at just a few hundred feet away, the inside warms birders with beverages, snacks and a great lunch that includes "Seagull" stew.
This year's talk was by Tara Beveroth. She spoke about the Illinois Spring Bird Count which will soon turn into a two-day count as opposed to the fixed one-day count that's in place now.
I kept a tentative gull list that I think Ethan Gyllenhall and others will be able to add to, I hope.
11 Thayer's Gulls (all ages represented)
4 Kumlien's Iceland Gulls (all ages represented)
4 Glaucous Gulls (1st, 2nd and adults)
3 Lesser Black-backeds (1st cycle, 2nd cycle, adult)
1 Great Black-backed (adult)
1 Kumlien's/Thayer's Intermediate type (adult)
1 Presumed Nelson's Gull (Herring x Glaucous; adult)
1 Presumed Great Black-backed x Herring (adult; well photographed)
For photos of some these birds, follow this link.
Thanks to all of the volunteers and co-sponsors for making this event possible.