Slaty-backed Gull at Conowingo

Miliff@aol.com
Tue, 9 Feb 1999 20:31:18 EST 

Hello all,

I spent another full day at Conwingo today and the Slaty-backed (gull shwoing
all the characters of Slaty-backed Gull if you prefer) is still there and its
schedule has thus far been regular and predictable.

Today it was seen from very early (at or near first light) to 9:00 a.m. at
which point it got up and flew directly over the Dam and upriver (possibly on
to Pennsylvania).  Between 8:00 and 9:00 it did do some flying around the
spillway and I was able to take several pictures which should be usable and
should show the wing pattern in flight. 

The bird reappeared again at 3:50 and lounged on the rocks (and flew around
again for some more photos) until I left at 5:30.  A few others were still
there watching it.

As far as I know, it's schedule has been:

Saturday Feb. 6 - Found at 2:30 p.m. and watched until dusk, at which point it
flew off downriver, presumably to roost at Havre de Grace

Sunday Feb. 7 - Seen early in the morning through about 9:00-9:30 (?), seen
again at close to 5:15 p.m. but only briefly.

Monday Feb. 8 - Seen from dawn to 10:00 at which point it flew off upriver,
relocated at 4:15 and watched until 5:15 at which point it flew off downriver,
again. presumably to roost at Havre de Grace. 

Tuesday Feb. 9 - Seen from dawn until 9:00 at which point it flew upriver,
relocated at 3:50 and watched until at least 5:30.

If you are coming from afar, plan on arriving at first light and putting in a
couple hours, or arriving in the evening.  

Other birds today:

- one first-winter Thayer's Gull present off and on throughout the day
- one 3rd winter Iceland Gull present for most of day
- one 2nd winter California Gull - located flying around (by Rick Blom) at
about 10:00 and seen off and on for the rest of the day, mostly in flight
- just a couple adult and one 1st winter Lesser Black-backeds
- zero Bonparte's and zero Glaucous

The birding continues to be great there...I will be back tomorrow morning and
plan to try to find out where it is going during the day.

Best,

Marshall Iliff
miliff@aol.com