[MDOsprey] Checklist Status of the Maryland Kelp Gull and Slaty-backed

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						Checklist Status of the Maryland Kelp Gull and Slaty-backed Gull
								as of December 31, 1999

Many birders are wondering about the status of these gulls with respect to 
the MD/DC Records Committee.  The following is an unofficial report.


Kelp Gull.  The famous Sandgates, MD Kelp Gull has not yet begun to be 
reviewed by the committee.  For a significant report such as this, we 
strive to ensure that all available observer information and reference 
material is gathered before we initiate the review process.  As of this 
writing, observer information is quite satisfactory.  However, the 
committee members will have to address issues dealing with the origin of 
the bird and possible hybridization.  With regard to origin (whether 
wild/natural, exotic, or questionable), our research found that the Sea 
World attractions in California, Florida, Texas, and Ohio do import and 
display Kelp Gulls, however, we just recently obtained definitive 
information that none of these birds are reported to have escaped.  We also 
received recent Government information regarding the importation of Kelp 
Gulls into the United States indicating that no other importations have 
been registered with the USFWS. This information will be provided to the 
records committee members when the review process begins.  As a side note, 
possibly related to the question of hybridization, neither the ABA nor the 
AOU has yet formally accepted this species.


Slaty-backed Gull.  The February 1999 Conowingo Dam "possible" Slaty-backed 
Gull also presents questions that are still under investigation.  The bird 
was somewhat distant  and, as of this writing, we have received only two 
sets of photographs, at least a few of which hopefully will show field 
marks important for the identification.  No written documentation has been 
submitted.   Such documentation may well be crucial.  Recent literature 
suggests that carefully written descriptions may be extremely important to 
support decisions dealing with the hybridization that is known to occur 
among Slaty-backed Gulls.  In any case, the presence of a bird hatched in 
or beyond the Aleutians is still a significant ornithological event for 
Maryland to document .  If anyone has further information supporting an 
identification of this bird, we urgently ask that it be sent to us.


The committee works deliberately and its processes do take time. If anyone 
would like to learn more about the working of the committee, please check 
our pages on the MOS web site 
at:  http://www.MDBirds.org/mddcrc/rcindex.html.   Perhaps the most 
important function of the MD/DC Records Committee is to serve as an 
archive.  There cannot be too much documentation.  Again, any information 
to add to either of these sightings would be welcome.

Good Y2K birding to all!

Phil Davis
Secretary, MD/DC Records Committee



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Phil Davis, Secretary
MD/DC Records Committee

home:	PDavis@ix.netcom.com	Davidsonville, Maryland	USA
work:	PDavis@OAO.com	Greenbelt, Maryland	USA

MD/DCRC Web site:	http://www.MDBirds.org
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