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Re: Iceland Gull at Schlhs. Pond; Jug Bay also

From:

Jeff Shenot

Reply-To:

Jeff Shenot

Date:

Wed, 6 Jan 2010 15:27:34 -0500

Fred's find was unknown to me at the time, but about one hour ago I spotted a 1st winter Iceland Gull at Jug Bay, it may have been the same bird.  I was going to post about it when I saw Fred's post!  I saw two large gull groups at Jug Bay, both on the PG side.  One group was at the mouth of Western Branch (~1600 birds) and one was further down (~ 1000 birds) between Jackson and Selby's Landings, on the large mudflat there.

I took a look at the group at Western Branch (much closer).  This area is a favorite gull resting spot, known as Billingley Marsh, and is easily viewed from either Mt Calvert Manor on PG side or from teh overlook deck at Jug Bay Wetland Sanctuary on the AA side.  Afternoon light is ideal and today was perfect.  Within a couple minutes I found an Iceland (mentioned above), and ruled out a 1st winter Thayers based on plumage and the bill.  I was almost halfway thru scanning the rest of flock and all got up (many eagles around), and I picked out the Iceland Gull again.  I watched it and eventually it headed back over toward Schololhouse Pond with about 800 other gulls.

I saw 2 Great Black-backeds (1 adult) and all other gulls seen were Ringers and Herrings, but I was unable to look at more than half of the flock at Western Branch before they left.  I only had time for a quick break, but may try to look again later.

A beauty of a day!
Jeff Shenot
Croom Md