A huge thanks to a local birder for finding and reporting this gull yesterday. It took two visits today to finally see and photograph it. A gorgeous adult Slaty-backed. Another new regional bird. That’s the third one in the last 3 weeks and 1 day for those who are counting… I’m not sure what is going on but would like to keep the streak going!
revealednature.com 
That’s a cracker, Tom! Still waiting for Beijing’s first.. must be only a matter of time but they seem pretty tied to the coast here in China..
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With a list like Beijing, it must just be a matter of time. As far as I can see on ebird, this is the first Slaty-backed in the region here which is between 300-400 kms from salt water. A nice adult too! Most of the records from western Canada are from the coast or at least farming areas near the coast. This one is hanging out with a larger group of gulls near a landfill/garbage dump. They roost on a huge sand bar on a nearby river. Hopefully it stays the winter.
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