Ivory Gull - Pagophila eburnea
Rarely a bird found outside of the arctic circle (see range map here), this gorgeous little gull was delighting birders and photographers alike this weekend at Race Point in Provincetown, MA. It's a bird like this than could really make a birder into a larophile - not only is it a rare and beautiful gull with it's snow-white plumage, yellow-tipped blue-grey bill, and black legs and feet - it is also incredible cooperative for those wishing to see it. You didn't really have to look hard for the bird (it stood out like a beacon) and it is completely unconcerned about people. Those that were there to see the bird didn't feel the need to try to approach closer for better looks or photos - you just sat down on the beach, and with a little patience, the bird would just walk past you, often within 10' as it picked its way along the wrack line.
Interestingly, this is the second year in a row that it is being seen in Massachusetts. Last year, there was an adult found first in Gloucester, MA which was amazing enough - then a SECOND one was spotted in Plymouth, MA.
PS - as always click on the photos to see larger versions!
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9 comments:
If all gulls were this easy to ID, I might just be a larophile. Those photos definitely don't suck. I think we're getting spoiled in the northeast with all of these IVGUs.
@Patrick- I think you are too...
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Since Provincetown is right across the bay from Plymouth, I wonder if there's any possibility that this is the same bird as last year.
Nice! I've been hearing a lot about this guy, glad you got to see him! and got some nice photos of him too. I got a rare bird for my entry this week too :)
Wow, as an avowed larophobe (i hate them first year, second year gulls), the IVGU certainly could sway me back to liking 'em. Great photos!
That is a spectacular bird! Very nice to see it so far out of it's normal range.
That's what it's all about, eh? Great bird as well as great photos.
Nice shots of a beautiful Gull. I can't help but wonder if it's the same gull also. I guess unless it was tagged, one will never know!
I try and make sure that at least one of our Ivory Gulls makes it down there every year. Who knows, maybe more people will be tempted to come at see them here in their backyard.
aWESOME! so exciting..nice captures of the Ivory!
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