Date: Wed, 4 Apr 2001 17:35:29 -0400 Reply-To: Maryland Birds & Birding Sender: Maryland Birds & Birding From: "Joseph J. Halpin" Subject: Little Gull Comments: cc: rhughes@usitc.gov MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit I was successful in the search this AM, along with Dot and Mary Jo. When we got there most of the Bonapartes were NW of the bridge. We got the permission of a property owner and carefully looked over a part of the flock without success. We did see a Red-breasted Merganser and 2 Yellowlegs, probably Lesser, along with some Greater Black-backed, Herring and Ring-billed Gulls. We then moved to a field across the river, accessed by the shopping center lot. From here most of the B. Gulls were far away but after about 10 minutes I did see a Little Gull in flight. The bird gave me good looks of the underwing pattern but when it went down I could not find it with the scope, too much shimmer and distance. We then went to the sewage treatment plant; there was no problem getting in. We went to the front desk and got permission. We checked out most of the tanks but only found Bonapartes. There were 2 Tree Swallows in the area. We then went to the restaurant behind the gas station to look over the distant flocks and had success. Again the birds were at a distance (about 100 yards) but when the Little Gull flew, it was obvious (dark underwing, white trailing edge to the wing and rounded wing tips). There were at least 2 LiGu, possibly 3. One of them was found on the water and we could get OK, but not outstanding looks, because of the distance. It was not obvious to us when the LiGu was near a BoGu that there was a noticeable size difference, even though the difference is about 2.5", but you could see the white primary tips extending beyond the tail (which contrasts with the black of the BoGu). Incidentally, I believe the Sibley book is far better than the NG Guide for this species ID. Thanks Gail and Barry for finding this species and giving us directions. Thanks Dot and Mary Jo for your help and company. From the park and ride lot on the Essex side of the bridge, I flushed a Cooper's Hawk when I arrived. If you drive from the DC area, you can buy Exxon gas on Eastern Ave on the return at 137! Joe Halpin Silver Spring, MD halpinj @juno.com ======================================================================= To leave the MDOsprey list, send e-mail to listserv@home.ease.lsoft.com with the following message in line 1: signoff mdosprey ======================================================================= =========================================================================