MA - gull migration at Turner's Falls

Glaucous Gull - first-cycle, Turner's Falls power canal, Franklin Co., MA. February 15th, 2018.

With adult Iceland Gull (kumlieni) right of center. 

Since returning from California in late January, I've barely done any local birding but have been keeping an eye on the gatherings of north bound gulls staging at Turner's Falls. The numbers and diversity has been excellent for a small inland site with six species present daily during the first two weeks of February. Despite relatively large numbers (600+) to sort through, some individuals have been readily identifiable by distinctive plumage characteristics such as a recurring dark brownish first-cycle Iceland Gull (kumlieni) present for over two weeks, a first-cycle Glaucous Gull present for around two weeks, and the continuing, wintering adult Lesser Black-backed Gull. The numbers of Iceland Gulls showing up to roost has also been impressive with 6 - 8 individuals present on all the afternoons that I've checked.

Glaucous Gull - first-cycle, Turner's Falls power canal, Franklin Co., MA. February 15th, 2018.

Iceland Gulls (center) - two second-cycles, Turner's Falls power canal, Franklin Co., MA. February 15th, 2018.

Iceland Gull (center) - dark first-cycle bird, Turner's Falls power canal, Franklin Co., MA. February 15th, 2018.

Iceland Gull  - first-cycle, Turner's Falls power canal, Franklin Co., MA. February 6th, 2018.

Thursday February 15th was a little different. It was a mild, balmy afternoon with complete cloud cover and little wind. The birds were resting on the ice on the power canal close to the road. I had just 30 minutes to sort through an impressive, swollen concentration of gulls numbering upwards of 850 birds. The bulk of the flock was composed of Herring, Great Black-backed and Ring-billed Gulls in that order with many vocalizing and giving 'long calls', but the flock was also riddled with white-winged gulls and by the time that I had to leave I'd tallied the following additional species;


Iceland Gull (kumlieni) -12, composed of 2 adults, 1 third-cycle, 3 second-cycle, 6 first-cycle.


Glaucous Gull - 3, composed of 1 second-cycle, 2 first-cycles (one continuing from early Feb).


Lesser Black-backed Gull - 2, 1 adult (continuing throughout most of the winter), and 1 first-cycle.