This very large, basically all-white gull breeds in the north polar region around the world. It is to be expected almost anywhere in Alberta, annually during migration, except in the prairie area.
Spring sightings are from mid March to mid May while autumn records are from mid October to late December. Most observed individuals are immatures. Local sightings have been at Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, Pearce Estate, Glenmore Reservoir, Elliston Park, Shepard Landfill and at Carseland Weir.
The diet of this largely predatory species, in summer at least, is chiefly the eggs and chicks of murres and other alcids, ducks and gulls. It will pursue adult plovers and dovekies, often catching and swallowing them in mid-air. In other season, it robs gulls and diving ducks of their catches, searches for carrion and eats garbage at landfill sites.
Nesting, singly or in groups, is usually on cliffs or islands, frequently near seabird colonies. The nest is a collection of seaweed, grass, moss and other debris. The two to three eggs are incubated for 27-28days.
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Where to find Glaucous Gulls in Alberta
Glaucous Gulls are rare visitors to the Weaselhead/Glenmore Park area. Watch for them on rare occasions during spring and fall migration on and around the Glenmore Reservoir. Brent Johner
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