Vermont eBird Checklist S119433051

Observations

1. Mallard

   Number observed:  4

2. Common Merganser

   Number observed:  8

3. Ring-billed Gull

   Number observed:  3

4. American Herring x Great Black-backed Gull (hybrid)

   Number observed:  1

   Details

   *Rare hybrid combo. But a regular just across the lake in NY and almost certainly a product of the large gull colony at Four Brothers Islands. I first documented this hybrid combo on Lake Champlain at Noblewood Park in NY on 24 August 2019, and at least one of these birds has been sporadically seen since. All indications point towards several individuals of this hybrid type are wandering around Lake Champlain. I noticed this bird before loading into the ferry. It was perched on the canopy of an outboard boat just north and west of the ferry dock. The pink legs and graellsii-like mantle color (intermediate between Great Black-backed Gull and Herring Gull) immediately stood out and suggested this familiar hybrid combo which I’ve had the opportunity to regularly study at known gull congregations along the NY side of Lake Champlain. Of course, caution needs to be taken with potential rarities like Slaty-backed Gull or even a more unexpected sooty-backed gull. But spread wing images, among other characteristics, comfortably rule out other possibilities. Photos.

   Media

5. Double-crested Cormorant

   Number observed:  2