The ring-billed gull in its habitat on Conroy Island

On the Eastern boundary of Deschênes Park, Conroy Island offers us the unique opportunity to follow the complete life cycle of a bird species—the ring-billed gull.  Starting in March, the adults set up their territories at the tip of the island and begin building nests in late April.  The ring-bill gulls nest in colonies and are very sociable, gathering on a limited space. The downy chicks hatch in mid-May and grow right before our eyes.  By early July, they reach adult size, shed their down, and take on the brownish, striped plumage of juveniles.  Throughout July, adults and juveniles leave the island and disperse to forage, preparing for their fall migration.  Although it is often considered mostly as a seabird species, the ring-billed gull adapts well to a variety of environments, and this ability has led to a population explosion. Sometimes looked down upon as scavengers, gulls are beautiful birds that offer us a wonderful birding experience in our park.