Rarity Alert! Franklin's Gulls and Common Ground-Doves being seen outside their usual ranges!

Franklin's Gull, 1st winter

Common Ground-Dove

Rarity alert! Evidently Franklin's Gulls and Common Ground-Doves are showing up in a number of places way outside their usual ranges. Franklin's Gulls, who breed in western U.S and Canada, now are being reported from SW Florida (this photo is from Sanibel in 2006), Maine, and several are in Massachusetts. Common Ground-Doves live year round in very southern areas in the lower U.S. (they come to our feeders in FL) and they recently have been seen in Massachusetts, Oregon, Ontario and Chicago! So be on the lookout! If you see these unusual birds for your area report it to your local Audubon, bird organization and ebird.
Have Fun!