The gulls have finally returned to the Upper Marlboro ponds after a very slow first part of the winter season.  This is the first decent group of gulls on the ice of either Depot or Schoolhouse Pond in recent weeks, at least that I've seen.  I scanned Schoolhouse Pond at lunchtime and had:

1 Iceland Gull (1st winter)
1 Great Black-backed Gull (adult)
2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls (adult and 2nd winter)
203 Herring Gulls
1500 Ring-billed Gulls

A very fun, large group to sort through.  The Iceland Gull gave close views and it was nice seeing different ages of Lesser Black-backed Gulls.

I was then joined by Mikey Lutmerdig, who had just come from Depot Pond.  He had photos of a bird that looks very good for 2nd year California Gull.  He also had a good description of the bird in flight.  The California Gull had been at Depot Pond, but then flushed and flew in the general direction of Schoolhouse Pond.  We searched through the huge group at Schoolhouse Pond , but were unable to relocate it.  As I headed back into the office, Mikey went back to Depot Pond to see if he could relocate the gull.  I suspect that he may post additional details if the bird is relocated - definitely a great find!   With the way the gulls move around the Upper Marlboro area, I suspect that it could turn up anywhere from the landfill, Schoolhouse Pond, Depot Pond, the recycling center, Mt. Calvert or Jug Bay.

Fred Shaffer

Crofton, Anne Arundel