Photographer: Sophie Graszat

Location: Barrie, Ontario

When exploring the shores of the nearby beaches, I spotted a very large bird. At first I dismissed it because I thought it was just a regular seagull that I see everywhere around the beach areas. I decided I should take a look anyway and when I zoomed in I noticed the gorgeous red eye and beak combination. Soon enough I was inputting the photo into the Merlin Bird App and BAM! It was a Great Black-Backed Gull, the largest gull in the world and quite rare in this area. After taking this photo, I knew I had to spend more time searching for nature on the beaches, and I have been going back regularly to see what else I can discover! I have seen a lot of beautiful wildlife around Lake Simcoe. I would sit on the beaches and watch the waves roll by every day if I could!