Re: Kelp Gull update (2/17/99)

Thomas Stock (TSTOCK@FMSHRC.GOV)
Wed, 17 Feb 1999 12:09:16 -0500


Jane wrote:  >>>  Jack Wright, of McLean, VA, and Tom Stock, of 
DC, and another birder whose name we failed to get, heard the 
gull call this morning while it was sitting. >>>

Actually, I wasn't one of the lucky birders who heard the bird, but I
did get a very nice a look at it!  Well worth the trip for anyone 
contemplating going to see it.  There have been plenty of comments 
on MDOsprey about this gull.  As for me, the first thing I noticed was 
the color of the legs and the very dark mantle. Even in the less than
perfect light when I first arrived, the legs were clearly not like any 
legs I've ever seen on a LBBG.  When the sun got up over the
clouds, the legs were just as Jan and Tyler described them:  "Piling
green," ie, about the color of the numerous pilings in the area. I
also felt that the bird had a heavier bill and heavier overall jizz 
than any LBBG I've seen (here and in the UK).  After everyone left,
I saw the Kelp-ish Gull in flight near a flying GBBG.  Mantle color:
very similar.  Size:  hard to tell from my perspective.  Too far for
any other comparisons.  The Kelp-ish Gull was very active, never
sitting still for very long.  When I left, it had disappeared, flying upriver.

Of the pictures on the web, I found the following close as to 
most of the bird's characteristics, except for the wear and tear
shown in the photo:

http://www.cyberramp.net/~upupa/kegup08.htm

Sincere thanks to all who have been tracking this bird!  Having
seen the Slaty-back last week, I feel I truly have been in
Gulltopia!

Tom Stock
Silver Spring