Re: Sandgates, MD Kelp Gull update, 2/25/99
StrixV@aol.com
Fri, 26 Feb 1999 02:03:32 EST
Hi William,
This is one great bird, I'll tell you. Very definitely worth going for since
it's not
among thousands of gulls and is obliging enough to be right up front and
center
where you can really see it (I understand the Sea Breeze Restaurant folks are
feeding this critter shrimp & oysters, so you can see why the bird is sticking
so
well, though it's doubtful that it'll leave for a couple more weeks anyway).
you
can really study this thing - note the ONE mirror on the 10th primary. Very
noticeable and something we should learn to notice on all gulls - big deal in
IDing these things. Also leg and iris color and orbital ring color. I'm no
gull
nut, but I can truly appreciate this bird. I'm going again tomorrow (Fri)
with
Kerrie and a friend from CA. Also, do have the cream of crab soup at the
restaurant.
Directions (from my famously inaccurate memory!): From the Beltway take
route 5 towards Waldorf, approx. 20-25 miles. Just before Waldorf Rte 5
bypasses
(left turn) the town. If you miss this bypass, panic not; the main drag just
con-
tinues thru town - I think it's 'business 5'. Follow Rte 5 for about 20
miles. At
some point Rte 235 (Ithink) joins Rte 5; when at the 20-mile point Rte 5 goes
left,
continue for about 4-5 miles on 235, and turn left on Rte 472. Follow this to
the
end, where you'll come to the Patuxent River. There are 2 restaurants at the
end - The Sea Breeze on the left and the Sandgates (?) on the left. Park at
the
Sea Breeze - they're birder friendly; the Sandgates has a sign "parking for
customers only". By the way, Rte 472 is also called Sandgates Road.
Enjoy your bird and lunch simultaneously!
Bev Leeuwenburg