Last year near mid-March I dawdled my way towards Qualicum, stopping to enjoy the birds and sights at the San Malo Mud Flats, Parksville Beach, and French Creek. When I finally pulled into the viewing area at the north end of Qualicum, the crowd of bird watchers was just dispersing. I recognized gull expert, Jonathan Simms from Germany, and fellow photographer, Ralph Hocken. They had that satisfied look on their faces. I knew I had just missed something good. As I caught up to them, Ralph cheerfully announced, "The Slaty-backed was just here on the rocks for point-blank shots, and it just left." Of course, I was disappointed to say the least as it would have been a new bird for my next book. Jonathan kindly offered to help me relocate the rare bird, but all we got were a few distant looks before it left the area.

A year later I was again heading to Qualicum but on some book business. This time I didn't dawdle, and after my business, I headed for the beach. Guess who I saw near the public restrooms? It was Jonathan and Ralph. I was prepared for the bad news as I pulled over beside them. "Did you find the Slaty-backed? I tentatively asked. (We had all read Art Martell's sighting of a Slaty-backed in Qualicum Bay the day before.) I was relieved when Ralph responded, "No, but we're still looking." "Great, I'll come with you," I proclaimed.

We parked at the pull-off just west of the viewing stand and proceeded to scan the flock. Jonathan and I were pointing out a Western to Ralph when a Bald Eagle circled by and scattered the flock. The gulls returned as the eagle passed, and we thought we had relocated the Western when Jonathan exclaimed, "It's not a Western!" Miraculously, the Western had disappeared and was replaced by the Slaty-backed!!!

Talk about coincidences. A year earlier Jonathan had come from Germany to visit his parents when he and Ralph discovered "Slaty-backed 2006" in almost the same spot. It was a good thing I didn't dawdle my way this year, because I was present with Jonathan and Ralph when "Slaty-backed 2007" arrived in Qualicum. It would have been deja vu for me again if I were a half hour later. What's the odds of a Slaty-backed from Alaska or Asia, Joanathan from Germany, Ralph from Lantzville, and I from Nanoose rendezvousing in the same area at the same time a year later?

A Slaty Surprise - Much to our delight, after the eagle shuffled the deck, the Western had been replaced by the Slaty-backed. Depending on the lighting, the Slaty is dark slate gray or almost black.

Freshening Up - Slaty's first order of business was its grooming. Nothing like a refreshing bath to start the day. (Don't want anyone to complain about my b.o.!)

Hero's Welcome - Slaty was given a rousing reception as all the other gulls realized how far Slaty had to travel to visit them. Most Slaty's come from western Alaska or northeast Asia.

Right at Home - Slaty fit right in with the flock. "It's good to visit some of my southern cousins once in awhile."

Yawn. Things are too quiet around here. Maybe I should move on.

I wonder where all the action is. How's the Rod & Gun these days?

Moving On - Slaty had a lot of relatives he wanted to visit. After a few quick good-byes, he was off, heading southeast. Keep your eyes open Victoria.

So long!

Good-bye!

adios!

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Iceland Gull - Kumlien's

Jonathan was trying to do his best to explaim the Kumlien's, but it hasn't quite sunk in yet. The only point I retained was regarding the little pointed head.

Kumliens? with Thayers.

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Here's two more gulls for you to ponder.

Close up of left gull with bill exposed.

The gull on the right ...

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Western Gull

Glaucous-winged Gulls

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