Back River WWTP 4/10

GAIL@UMDD.UMD.EDU
Fri, 10 Apr 98 16:51:23 EDT


We went up to Back River WWTP today in hopes of catching up with a Little
Gull (or some other goodies). Barry as you recall gripped me with a Little
Gull last Sunday.

There were about 7-800 Bonaparte's Gulls present at the sewage plant itself
or at nearby Diamond Point. This is about half the number seen last Sunday,
but of course they are moving through our area. Unfortunately we did not see
any unusual gulls, except a distant probable Lesser-Blackbacked in flight.

Many of the Boneys are in full breeding plumage now. One unusual thing is that
a quite high proportion are showing a distinct pink tone in their white parts,
including the nape. Some are very deep -- almost as pink as a Ross's! We met
Rick Blom up there and he also remarked at this -- certainly not something I
recall from previous years. I wonder if some difference in their winter
feeding areas could be the cause -- certain crustacea for example are thought
to cause this pinkish tone in many seabirds. Blame it on El Nino! Anyway,
they are especially attractive this year.

A few Laughing Gulls are also present, again pretty much in summer plumage.
Rick pointed out one quite small individual, which he felt could be one of
the smaller Caribbean races. It was about Franklin's Gull size.

Also seen was an adult Bald Eagle, about 20 Common Snipe and the usual
assortment of Cormorants and commoner gulls.

Gail Mackiernan and Barry Cooper
gail@umdd.umd.edu