Orphaned seagull rehabilitated in 2000 reappears twice in White Rock in 2024, highlighting decades-long wildlife conservation success.
Decades-Old Seagull Makes a Stunning Comeback
A remarkable wildlife reunion unfolded in White Rock when a seagull first rescued in 2000 was spotted not once, but twice, in 2024. This Glaucous-winged gull, originally raised and rehabilitated by the Wildlife Rescue Association of B.C., returned to the seaside city more than two decades later, proving the lasting impact of dedicated conservation work.
First Sighting Sparks Excitement
The gull’s reappearance was first recorded in February 2024 by Environment and Climate Change Canada researchers as part of the Salish Sea Gull Project. Scientists recaptured the bird and fitted it with colorful identification bands, making future sightings easier to track.
Second Appearance Confirms Survival
Later that year, on September 16, 2024, the gull was seen again in White Rock, confirming its thriving life in the wild. Jackie McQuillan, programs director at the Wildlife Rescue Association of B.C., expressed the team’s excitement:
“It is exhilarating to hear about this gull’s decades-long success in the wild after receiving a second chance at life back in 2000.”
Tracking and Protecting Marine Birds
The Salish Sea Gull Project, part of the Salish Sea Marine Bird Monitoring and Conservation Program, monitors marine birds as key indicators of ecosystem health. By tracking gull populations, researchers gather crucial data to guide conservation efforts. The initiative also aligns with protections under the Migratory Birds Convention Act of 1994 and highlights gulls as a stewardship priority.
Public Involvement is Key
Both the Wildlife Rescue Association of B.C. and Environment and Climate Change Canada encourage the public to report sightings of banded gulls. Every observation helps scientists understand the habits, health, and survival of these resilient coastal birds.
