Local Lifer #164 - Audouin's Gull

 

 The Audouin's Gull at Pile Bay on June 20th

When people ask about the unique birding experience in Barbados – a country with just one endemic bird, limited native nesters, and fewer woodlands or wetlands – I often compare it to a box of Cracker Jacks. Just like those surprise-filled snacks, birding here is full of unexpected treasures. Or, as a birding Forrest Gump might say, "Birding in Barbados is like a box of chocolates – you never know what you'll find." And somehow, I seem to have a knack for stumbling upon these delightful discoveries!  This knack recently led me to my third lifer for 2024 – an Audouin's Gull (Ichthyaetus audouinii)! I spotted this incredible bird on June 20th at the fishing complex at Pile Bay, St. Michael. 

Audouin's Gull (center) with Laughing Gulls 

It wasn't a planned birding outing. Returning home from a hospital visit after an early morning emergency, I decided to make a quick stop at Pile Bay. There, amidst the familiar Laughing Gulls (Leucophaeus atricilla) perched on buoys offshore, a larger, paler gull caught my eye.  Initially, I thought it might be a Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus), a yearly visitor to the island. However, its size seemed off – bigger than the Laughing Gulls but smaller than the Lesser Black-backs. Based on its pale back, black bill mark, and size, I leaned towards a Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis), but doubt lingered.

Sharing a quick photo from my camera with our local birding group, I received an unexpected response: "Audouin's Gull!" from our resident expert, Ed Massiah. However, he emphasized the need for a live sighting for confirmation due to the photo quality.  Intrigued, I sent the photo to Nigel Lallsingh, a friend in Trinidad who is familiar with the species after discovering the first record for Trinidad (and the Western Hemisphere) in 2016. His reply solidified my hopes – "Looks like a second-winter Audouin's Gull!" Later that day, Ed was able to observe the bird live, confirming it as an Audouin's Gull (Ichthyaetus audouinii) – a truly remarkable find! This wasn't just a first record for Barbados, but also the first sighting for the entire West Indies!

About the Audouin's Gull

Audouin's Gulls are medium-sized gulls, measuring about 17-24 inches (44-60 cm) in length with a wingspan of up to 4.5 feet (142 cm). Adults have a light grey body with a paler white head. Their light gray wings have black tips and lack the white spots common in many other gulls. They boast a dark red bill and dark gray legs. Juveniles have a mottled brown body with a distinct white rump patch. These birds are primarily coastal, inhabiting the Mediterranean Sea. They winter along the southern and western African coasts and the Iberian Peninsula.

This unexpected encounter highlights the thrill of birding in Barbados. You never know what fascinating bird you might spot next!