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