Central Ohio NatureA Feast For The Gulls
Usually this time of the year in central Ohio we’re busy looking for the earliest spring wildflowers such as the uncommon Snow Trillium.
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But we also walk along the local reservoirs (Griggs and O’Shaughnessy Reservoir) hoping to see migrating waterfowl. Recently we weren’t disappointed when three inches of rain shocked area waterways resulting in thousands of dead or dying shad. It was a banquet for Bonaparte’s Gulls passing through the area and an excellent opportunity to observe these beautiful birds.
Immature, non-breeding and breeding Bonaparte’s Gulls.
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Bonaparte’s Gull, (Donna)
Adult breeding Bonaparte’s Gull.
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A few larger Ring-billed Gulls were also getting into the act.
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Not to miss out on the easy meal Great Egrets and Great Blue Herons were also present.
Great Egret, (Donna).
Great Blue Heron, (Donna)
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Fish die-offs, particularly shad, are not that uncommon in reservoirs. However, this is the first time we’ve happened upon such a feeding frenzy.
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We hope this post finds everyone doing well. Thanks for stopping by.
Do you think the fish die-off has to do with pollution? Lovely photos. I like nature walks with you two.
Sandy
On Sun, Mar 29, 2020 at 9:57 AM Central Ohio Nature wrote:
> centralohionature posted: “Usually this time of the year in central Ohio > we’re busy looking for the earliest spring wildflowers such as the uncommon > Snow Trillium. . But we also walk along the local reservoirs (Griggs and > O’Shaughnessy Reservoir) hoping to see migrating wat” >
Yes, the water turbidity increases significantly after a heavy rain so that could also be a factor.
Gulls are rarely seen here so it’s nice to see them. Every now and then one or two will follow the Connecticut river north, but not often.
That was a good opportunity well taken.
Great pictures, thank you for sharing them.