Ring-bills rainbow coloured glasses

While birding Port Burwell/Stanley area on Sept 19, I had high hopes of Laughing/Franklin's/Black-headed Gulls, yet turned up empty. One thing that really caught my eye was some of the variation I saw in Ring-billed Gull skin colouration. Here's some shots:

An "Orange" adult Ring-billed Gull. I have seen hormone-charged "Orange" birds a few times before  in the spring, but this is my first time getting some photos of an "Orange" adult in the fall. Funky

A 2nd Basic "Blue" Ring-billed Gull. First Summer Ring-billed Gulls often have their legs and/or bills turn blue for a short period. But most tend to loose it come fall/winter. This bird kept it though!

(Note: most field guides will tell you blue legs/bill is a good indication of California Gull in 2nd winter.. Which it is, it just isn't diagnostic)

It's also pretty regular to have 2nd basic birds with a peach/pink tone to the bare-parts. This was one I managed a few shots from (all pics taken the same day) 

And just for the heck of it, a "normal" Ring-billed Gull (adult) - all nice and yellow. 

Just some gull fun!

All of the unusual RBGU's added to my picasa galleries

https://picasaweb.google.com/117329578255897846071

--------------------------------

Some good news about Kirtland's Warblers.. Two pairs in Ontario!

http://online.wsj.com/article/APe48766b7872a49d0bd3eabedd5bf56b2.html

---------------------------------

Also a cool Aurora video from NASA:

http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/videogallery/index.html?collection_id=14483&media_id=112491731&module=homepage