Observations of juvenile ivory gulls (Pagophila eburnea) in Resolute Bay, Nunavut, Canada, August 2005

Abstract

Canadian ivory gull (Pagophila eburnea) populations have declined ca. 80% since the early 1980s, and observations, especially of juveniles, are noteworthy. From 20 to 26 August 2005 adult and juvenile ivory gulls were observed and photographed at Resolute Bay, Nunavut, Canada. The numbers of gulls observed reached a peak on 23 August when 18 birds (13 adults and 5 juveniles) were present. A minimum of 7 juveniles and 13 adults were present on 21 and 23 August, respectively, for a total minimum estimate of 20 ivory gulls. The highest numbers were observed during the stormiest days, suggesting that the gulls were taking shelter in the protected bay. Ivory gulls were observed in close proximity to other seabirds, and one fish capture attempt was observed. These are the first reported juveniles for Resolute Bay since 2000, and the first reported for the Canadian High Arctic since 2002, suggesting that breeding success in 2005 may have been better than in previous years.