New Jersey Franklin's update
Dma3@aol.com
Sun, 15 Nov 1998 18:21:23 EST
Here is an update on the Franklin's Gull invasion along the coast.
Saturday Nov 14th:
28 migrating past the Avalon Seawatch, Cape May. (Including the initial group
of six that were resting on a sandbar at 9:30 AM.)
At least 12 others at various sites around Cape May Point, for a conservative
total of 40 birds. (Many of these were resting on the water close to shore or
on the beach.)
The previous single day high count for New Jersey is ONE. Not sure, but it
might be four in MD.
Sunday Nov 15th:
15 migrating past the Avalon Seawatch. Several lingering around Cape May
Point.
About 20% were first winter birds. Both first winters and adults have the very
distinctive sharp black half-hoods, forming a large triangular patch over the
face. This was easy to see even on the birds migrating past.
These birds are part of the huge displacement on the Great Lakes caused by the
violent storm of mid week. There are hundreds in Chicago, dozens eastwards at
several Lake Erie and Lake Ontario locations. There are only two other coastal
reports, from CT and Long Island, so the exact route being taken by most birds
is unknown. MD birders might want to check any likely locations, not just
Conowingo. Even Deep Creek Lake or Rocky Gap could have a bird. It seems that
some of the Cape May birds might pass Ocean City in the next day or two. Any
info, positve or negative, will help in understanding this remarkable event.
It will be interesting to see if Great Britain gets a big hit.
Dave Czaplak
dma3@aol.com