Re: Slaty-backed Gull at Conowingo

J L Saba (saba@ARI.Net)
Thu, 11 Feb 1999 08:04:44 -0500


Given that the slaty-backed gull is apparently as likely to be present
in the morning as in the late afternoon, at which time is the light
better for viewing it?

Jack

Miliff@aol.com wrote:
> 
> 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