[MDOsprey] Counting Gulls and Egrets, Potomac R, nr Wilson Bridge, 12/4/99
KurtCapt87@aol.com
Sat, 4 Dec 1999 23:28:16 EST
Folks,
In preparation for the upcoming DC CBC, I stopped at the Dyke Marsh/Belle
View picnic area (Fairfax Co, VA) at dusk to attempt a gull count on the
Potomac just south of the Wilson Bridge. As I soon found, the location was
not ideal - Jones Pt lighthouse is likely the best spot. (Note that both
spots mitigate glare concerns from the setting sun.) I arrived about 1630
and was finished about 1715. The tide was high and I initially noted that
the Potomac off Hunting Creek and the picnic area was dotted with gulls. I
started on the Laughing Gulls as they were easily differentiated on the water
or in flight. Because the location was less than optimal, I could not
readily ID the larger gulls, esp Herring.
I counted ca. 6600 gulls total and break it down to the following:
Boneparte's Gull 3
Laughing Gull 1500
Ring-billed Gull 5020
Herring Gull 40
Great-black backed Gull 40
I believe that (1) the numbers are low and (2) the RB Gull count likely
combines many Herring and some GBB Gulls. I plan to do some more practice.
Whilst stationed at the picnic area, I noted 8 Great Egrets teeing up on
posts at Port O'Vecchio.
Kurt Gaskill