Kelp Gull, 2/21/99--St. Mary's County, MD--Yes
Jane Kostenko (jkostenko@somd.lib.md.us)
Sun, 21 Feb 1999 16:22:23 -0500
Beginning at dawn, and still present through 3:45 p.m., the St. Mary's
County, MD, Kelp Gull was viewed Sunday, 2/21/99, by another 90+ birders.
In the windiest, coldest conditions yet, birders in winter plumage had
to work for the bird at times today. Deviating from its early morning
(normal) routine of making forays between the Sea Breeze and Sandgates
Restaurants, the Kelp Gull today spent long periods of time out of sight
behind the Sandgates Restaurant (as much as 45 minutes), with only brief
ariel displays (look toward the tan house with the brown roof on the hill on
the water behind the Sandgates, and follow their steeply-sloping grassy lawn
down to the water's edge and watch for the gull there). Once some jumbo
shrimp and more oysters on the half shell were placed out on the pilings
behind the Sea Breeze, though, the Kelp Gull came in and stayed in the area
behind the Sea Breeze for the rest of the time.
Several observations: if the Sea Breeze is closed (the bar opens at
11:30 for sandwiches and soup), and no one brings raw shrimp, the gull may
be harder to find! The Kelp Gull does not associate with Great Black-back
Gulls, even though they are on the same pier at times. The Kelp Gull, when
on his own for food, will land in the water on the beach-side parking area
(look for the green dumpster) of the Sea Breeze, and will chase waves to
snag some food in the water; it then will perch on the wooden seawall, if
not the piers behind the Sea Breeze. Both restaurants are crabhouses, and
not open for breakfast.
Jane Kostenko
jkostenko@somd.lib.md.us
California, Maryland
301-862-4623(home)
Yesterday is history; tomorrow is a mystery.
Today is a gift. That's why they call it the PRESENT.