I found an adult Black-headed Gull among the large number of more common 
gulls at Schoolhouse Pond during lunchtime today.  The bird is an adult winter 
gull, with the typical black-tipped red bill, ear spot, and black "line" extending 
above the eye to the crown.  I called Jim Stasz, and he also saw the bird.  
We observed the bird through my spotting scope.  It probably would have 
been difficult to pick out with just bins.  Gull totals today included:

1 Black-headed Gull
55 Laughing Gulls
2 Great Black-backed Gulls (1 adult and 1 4th winter)
2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls (1 adult and 1 1st winter)
175 Herring Gulls
800+ Ring-billed Gulls

As the numbers indicate, there are good numbers of gulls at the pond today, 
with birds constantly coming and going.  The Black-headed Gull was still 
present when I left, although it can blend in pretty well with the larger gulls, 
particularly the Ringers, which have a similar mantle color.  It has been a fun 
fall/early winter for gulls at the pond this year.  I'm looking forward to what 
the rest of the winter brings.

Fred Shaffer

Patuxent MOS