Iceland Gull at Lake Nockamixon ~ March 10, 2021

Since Lake Minsi was still frozen, I decided to drive down to Lake Nockamixon and see what was there. Among the numbers of Common Mergansers, I found a few American Wigeon and a couple Ring-necked Ducks and noticed a gull flying along the eastern edge of the lake that looked real pale. I got it in the scope and realized it was an Iceland Gull! I watched it as it continued to get closer. It eventually flew right by me where I got these fairly good, but backlit photos before it continued west towards the marina.

Iceland Gull at the Tohickon boat launch

A stop at the marina produced Hooded Mergansers, Ring-necked Ducks, and Buffleheads. While there, a Sandhill Crane called three times from somewhere high overhead, but I never was able to find it in the blue sky.

The last stop was the fishing pier where the lake was mostly frozen but had several large patches of open water. I counted 7 Bald Eagles----2 adults and 5 immatures. The young birds and one of the adults were taking turns flying around stirring up the ducks and gulls and often perching on the ice.

Bald Eagles at the fishing pier

Two of the young birds were toying with each other.

Bald Eagle interaction

While checking out the gulls, I spotted the Iceland Gull. Judging by the wingtip pattern, I'm pretty sure that it was the same bird that I saw earlier at the Tohickon area. It flew in and landed fairly close where it bathed in the open water. This time the lighting was much better and I got some fairly nice photos of it.

Iceland Gull at the fishing pier

As I passed the Haycock area on the way home, a male American Kestrel provided the "cherry on top." Needless to say, the drive was well worth it.

Male American Kestrel

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