The gulls have returned in full force to Schoolhouse Pond over the last
few days.  Today's highlight was one Lesser Black-backed Gull (Juvenile
moulting into 1st winter plumage).  Also present were slightly more then
1,000 Laughing Gulls and 6 Ring-billed Gulls.

Yesterday's numbers were even more impressive, with over 1,600 Laughing
Gulls, 19 Ring-billed Gulls, and 1 Herring Gull.  Of course, this time of
year I've been keeping my eyes open for a stray Franklin's Gull, but have
yet to see one this season.  There's always tomorrow...

Fred Shaffer
Patuxent MOS