On Monday Sep. 26, at 1:20 PM I observed an adult Sabine’s Gull from Violette’
s Lock, on the Potomac River. The bird appeared just above tree height and a 
few hundred meters upriver (towards Seneca). It began to drop and head across 
the river. Through binoculars and scope I could see the very bold white 
triangle formed by the inner primaries, secondaries, and secondary coverts. This 
contrasted strongly with the black outer primaries and primary coverts, and with 
the gray mantle. It had a mostly complete black hood.  The rest of the body 
and tail were white. The under wing was mostly white, with darker primaries and 
a dark subterminal bar along the secondaries.  
 
After watching it for several seconds, I picked up the camera, thinking this 
would be easy, because gulls and terns usually turn downriver towards Violette’
s Lock. I was surprised to see this bird quickly gain speed and height, and 
angle upriver into VA, headed southwest. It was in sight for less than 30 
seconds, and was never close enough for a photo.
 
The wind was gusty 30mph from the southeast, with very light rain. Later it 
turned southwest. I assume this bird was knocked down by the strong front 
passing through from the west.  Apparently the Potomac was not attractive enough 
for it to linger. A few Ring-bills trickled through during the afternoon, but no 
terns. The only other birds of note were a Purple Martin and a Peregrine.

Thanks to Rob Hilton for posting earlier.

Dave Czaplak