Stephen Bushel and I first viewed the Ivory Gull very briefly at the Government Wharf in Canso on December 30 during the local CBC. A glimpse of the black string of pearls on its white back along with its black legs and bill indicated it was an Ivory Gull. A second sighting a short time later on the Middle Wharf confirmed it was truly an Ivory Gull. The bird is "so wild it's tame" and was easily approached to within twenty feet and well photographed. The bird was easily relocated later for Bruce Stevens, who was also a part of the CBC, by giving offerings of bread crusts to a flock of gulls.

The Ivory Gull was viewed again on December 31 at approximately 3:15 pm flying over the centre of town with other gulls.

— Tom Kavanaugh