Here is a message from Marcia Balestri about a possible Yellow-legged Gull near Blackwater on Friday.

Paul O'Brien
Rockville, Mont. Co., MD

Begin forwarded message:

From:   mebalestri <>
Subject:    Funny gull
Date:   November 13, 2009 11:34:06 PM EST
To: "Robert Ringler" <>, "David and Carol Smith" <>, "Matt Hafner" <>, "Paul O'Brien" <>
Attachments:    6 Attachments, 2.5 MB
Hi there folks,

I'm hoping you can help me out here. I had an interesting adult, winter
plumage gull on Egypt Rd. today (sorry that it's so late, but we just got
back and I didn't have my phone with me). It was about 1/2 mile before the
intersection with Key Wallace, first on one side, then later on the other.

It was in a field with Laughing, Ring-billed, and some Herring Gulls. I
noticed it because its mantle was darker than surrounding gulls, but not as
dark as a Black-Backed (either Greater or Lesser). It was definitely bigger
than a Ring-billed, slightly smaller than a Herring (maybe--from what I
could tell). It had yellowish legs, streaking on the head and neck. Big
yellow bill with red gonydeal spot. White tail. Didn't see the underwings,
but had black wing tips with good sized mirrors. If I had been on the west
coast I probably would have said it California. BUT it had a yellow (or
pale), not black iris and no black on the bill. I have attached pix, but
they aren't very good as he was distant (not when I first saw him).

What do you think? Fell free to pass it along if you think it's worthwhile.
I hope someone more experienced than I can refind this bird and ID it (and
I'm hoping it's something good!)

I am on the road to NC tomorrow for a week, but if you want more info or
have questions (or an answer as to what it is), you can call me on my cell
at 301-606-5300.
-- 
Marcia Balestri
Frederick, MD