I'll reply to the list in case there are others planning a pilgrimage ;)

Shrimpy has been seen pretty regularly at the SeaBreeze but the regularity
is changing now that it's March. Until late February, Shrimpy was almost a
gimme. As in previous years, tho, once March rolls around, Shrimpy starts to
wander and becomes less dependable. Of course, there isn't another place
around where you have even the remotest chance of seeing a Kelp Gull so your
odds are astronomically higher than zero.

Anyway, make sure that you plan on sitting for a while. Sometimes you luck
out and Shrimpy is there right away. Other times, like a couple of weekends
ago with the ANS group, Shrimpy didn't arrive until around 1pm. Make sure
that you scan all of the piers on either side of the SeaBreeze as Shrimpy
has been know to be traitorous and hang out at the Sandgates pier.
Occasionally, she has been seen at the private house pier adjacent the
SeaBreeze just downriver. Most often, she prefers one of the two piers
behind the SeaBreeze, usually the one right outside the back door. Also,
Shrimpy often splashes in the water on the sandy beach on the downriver side
of the SeaBreeze and sometimes even walks around in the parking lot there.

Good luck! And, anyone making an attempt, could you please email Jane
Kostenko(I've cc'ed her on this) as she keeps track of Shrimpy's wanderings.

Tyler Bell

California, MD

-----Original Message-----
From:  
Sent: Thursday, March 17, 2005 9:55 AM
To: ; 
Subject: [MDOSPREY] RFI: Kelp Gull and/or No. Lapwing

I am a new subscriber to the list and am tentatively planning a trip to MD
next Friday, 3/25. Is the Kelp Gull still being seen behind the Shrimp
Box? I have directions from an older post; I just want to confirm that the
bird is still there before heading over. I've been told that sightings get
spotty the later in the season that you go.

Also -- I know it's almost too much to hope for, but is the No. Lapwing
still around? That would make for one great double-header (albeit a lot of
driving from NJ). I do NOT have directions for this bird, so if it's still
around, any info would be greatly appreciated.

If this is "old news" to everyone on this list, feel free to reply off-
list.

Thanks in advance!

Dena Temple
Middletown, NJ