I took advantage of the quiet afternoon to swing by Hains Point today
(Friday, 12/24), and was happy to finally catch up with SNOW GOOSE in DC.
The bird was actually deep within the large group of gulls roosting at the
point (apparently it felt more comfortable hanging with the gulls than the
Canada Geese).  98% of the gulls were Ring-billeds, with a few Herrings
thrown in.  Thousands of gulls roost in this area (both on the Potomac and
at the mouth of the Anacostia), but they generally don't arrive until it's
too dark to really scrutinize.  I certainly wouldn't be surprised to find
out the Mew Gull reported from Schoolhouse Pond earlier today is in with
this large group, but it would require more luck than skill to find it.

The raptor show continues at Hains too.  I saw at least 5 MERLINS (possible
6), adult BALD EAGLE, and the pair of PEREGRINES on the RR bridge.

Last but not least, there were 3 COMMON MERGANSERS in the Tidal Basin.

Good birding,

Paul Pisano

Arlington, VA