ADULT ROSS'S GULL

        This bird was observed by Jean Iron, Kevin McLaughlin, Betsy Potter, and me on Sunday, January 27, 2008 on the Niagara River off of Goat Island, Niagara Falls, N.Y.  Initially, I spotted it from the control gates on the Canadian side all the way across the river, a half-mile or so away.  Here it is from that vantage point, alone on the ice behind the Ring-billed Gulls. 

We decided that to document the bird properly, we had to move to the American side.  So, we packed up, crossed the border, and got to Goat Island after getting behind most of the world's slowest drivers.  Betsy and I made it in time - the bird was still there.  Jean and Kevin, however, were delayed by the Customs agents, costing them the much closer view that we briefly enjoyed at Goat Island, below.

Following is is a closer crop of the same image.

One more comparison shot where the pink underparts really show well.

We only had the bird from Goat Island for a couple of minutes.  When it flew, Betsy was on the cell phone, alerting Jean and Kevin that we had it.  I was digiscoping and was unable to keep it in my scope.  When I lifted my head to look for it, I was immediately blinded by the sun.  I could not find any gulls in flight, even though it had been only about 50 yards away.  As far as I am aware it was not seen by anyone the rest of the day.

However, the Ross's Gull was found the next day - in the parking lot at the east end of Goat Island!  Maybe we should bring french fries next time.  Here is Joe Mitchell's photo from there: