I plied the waters of scenic Back River this morning, kayaking from Cox Point Park to Diamond Point and looking at all the gulls along the way. Of course, the majority of the birds were near Diamond Point, but there were Bonaparte's Gulls along the whole route. Once I got up to Diamond Point I slowly paddled and drifted around the flock of Bonaparte's Gulls, getting great views and at times being surrounded by the birds both on the water and in flight.
After paddling/drifting in the flock for 35 or 40 minutes, I finally caught sight of an adult non-breeding Little Gull flying actively over the center of the river. I followed the bird and got several photos as it flew over the river, dipped down to the water, and at times passed close to my kayak. It was really a trilling encounter, and one that I've been hoping for over many years. The bird, in addition to having the blackish underwing and all grey upperwing, had the "capped" appearance that many LIttle Gulls have in winter plumage.
As I began to kayak back, I then saw an adult Black-headed Gull in flight over the river. Shortly afterwards, I came across the bird on the water and got incredibly close, again getting some photos of the bird at rest and in flight. The gull was obviously a different individual from the Hunt Valley Mall gull, as the hood is not quite as advanced (although it was still more advanced/complete that any of the Bonaparte's Gulls).
Truly a great outing, made only better by the extremely calm conditions and warm temperatures. I got wonderful views of all birds involved, including the Little and Black-headed Gulls. When I got back to Cox Point Park, I was promptly greeted by a DNR officer who immediately gave me a warning for not having a "bell, whistle, or horn" (direct quote) on my kayak. So, if anybody attempts to repeat my trip, be forewarned. I pretty sure that one of my sons has a whistle, but I am leaning towards an old school bicycle horn mounted on top, as it may be more visible from a distance. Good birding,
Fred Shaffer
<GlaucousGull...>
Crofton, Anne Arundel
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