Bonaparte's Gull

(Chroicocephalus philadelphia)

 My husband, son and I went to Stricker Pond last Saturday to celebrate my birthday. It's my favorite thing to do on my birthday. As we walked along the path, several Bonaparte's Gulls flew at us. There were, of course, several already on the pond. It was a spectacular sight! I had seen them in the past but never as many as that day.

They flew down to the water, landed for a split second and flew off with their meal (see photos just below). It was awesome to see! I haven't seen this behavior since the eagle sighting. This is the normal feeding pattern of Bonaparte's Gulls. They eat small fish and bugs. This is one gull that you will never find by a garbage dump.

 
Bonaparte's Gulls migrate through Wisconsin after a winter's stay in  in the coastal states. Their destination in spring is Canada and Alaska where they will live in forests that are close to water. We are lucky to have them visit Wisconsin.

The gull's name is dedicated to Charles Lucien Bonaparte (1800s) who was a cousin of Napoleon. It is also said that George Ord (who lived in Philadelphia) named the gull. This was in 1815.

The Bonaparte's Gull is the smallest of the gull family. They are approximately a foot long and weigh between 6 and 8 pounds. Now, as I watched the gulls, I was mesmerized. It was such a treat to see them that I stood and took it all in before returning down the path where my husband and son waited for me. As a photographer who has a huge interest in what lives on/in/at the pond, I found it truly breathtaking.

Please note that, if you ever see birds migrating on the pond, go back another day and watch them again. I did. The photos to each side of this paragraph were taken a few days after the first sighting. How delightful it was to see them on the branch. They groomed and rested. Quite a pair they were!



So, going to the pond was incredible. It's different every time I go. If you live in the area, I hope you will check it out. You may be surprised at what you see.

Coming next week: learn about the pansy.

Thank you for visiting!

Judy

References:

https://identify.whatbird.com/obj/459/behavior/Bonapartes_Gull.aspx

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Bonapartes_Gull/lifehistory

https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/bonapartes-gull

Kaufman, K. (1996). Lives of North American Birds.