Hi all --

Sorry to be late posting but we went up to Back River yesterday in the rainy
afternoon and really didn't see anything of immediate concern, but thought a
post on Bonaparte gull numbers would be of general interest.

There are still about 700 Bonaparte's Gulls in the area, majority now in
summer plumage with full hoods, but no sign of any Little Gulls. (Checking
our notes for last 3-4 years we did have 3 Little Gulls on 4/9 in 2004 but
generally this species was usually earlier, e.g. last week of March & first
week of April). Other birds of interest -- 4 Laughing Gulls, 2 Caspian terns
and, best bird, a Common Tern sitting on the flats at Diamond Point.

With the warm weather predicted for this weekend we would not be surprised
if most of the Bonaparte's Gulls depart...

Here at home, still 4 Siskins regularly at the feeder, a few lingering
(female) Juncoes and our little lovelorn Screech Owl every night!

Gal Mackiernan and Barry Cooper
Colesville, MD