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Subject:

1000+ RB gulls feeding on insects next to Potomac River

From:

Robert Anderson

Reply-To:

Maryland Birds & Birding

Date:

Fri, 10 Sep 2004 23:23:41 -0400

Wondering if anyone else saw the amazing show along the Potomac today around
5:45 PM and if so if they could explain it.

While driving on GW parkway from Alexandria to Memorial Bridge for more than
a mile there were groups of hundreds of ring billed and some laughing gulls
(easily totaling over 1000) catching insects above the trees and along the
river.

I have seen large groups of gulls scared up and scattered like this from
dumps but never so many that were feeding at one time in the sky.

What sort of insects would be available in such numbers and of enough
substance to attract 1000 gulls? (both adults and youngsters) Are they
coming from the trees or water?

Any insights would be appreciated.

PS there were a few ring bills on the DC side of the bridge but they were
floating in the water.