[MDOsprey] Kelp Gull, St. Mary's County, MD, 10/16/99, Update

Jane Kostenko (jkostenko@somd.lib.md.us)
Sat, 16 Oct 1999 14:45:16 -0400


    The Kelp Gull continues in St. Mary's County, Maryland, on the pilings
behind the Sea Breeze Restaurant in the hamlet of Sandgates, Maryland, where
it has been seen daily since my last posting of 10/10 (per visiting birders,
my own sightings, and those of reliable restaurant staff). This marks at
least the fourth week in a row to boast daily sightings, even on windy or
rainy days (when it hunkers down and is harder to pick out).
    Today, Tyler and I (and visiting birders from CA, TX, NC, and VA!) were
surprised to see that the Kelp Gull has, since two weeks ago, replaced
several of its molted primaries, and now has apical spots once again (the
all-black folded wingtips had made it rather easy to pick out prior to
this). The flecking on the head hasn't gotten any darker, but is still as
dark and as extensive as it was when first studied back in February (do I
have a life?!) It never flew, but when it flapped, and with the wings
folded, we didn't observe the wide trailing edge that it had in the spring.
It was in company of about a dozen Great Black-backed Gulls, making for very
nice comparisons in size, mantle color, etc.
    Directions to the gull are available; just send me a message. Hotels in
the area are still benefitting from the gull's presence!

Jane Kostenko
jkostenko@somd.lib.md.us
California, Maryland

Yesterday is history; tomorrow is a mystery.
Today is a gift. That's why they call it the PRESENT.