Boy, is Sean McCandless right?  North East Community Park is a great 
place for gulls.

Helen Patton, Joy Bowen and I stopped by there this afternoon 
(December 29) just after 3 p.m.  There were thousands of gulls (95% 
Ring-billed) on the ice and in the small amount of open water at the 
park.  A few Herring Gulls (mostly immature) and Great Black-backed Gulls also.

We had hoped for some "white-winged" gulls, but had to settle for 
three adult (or almost so) Lesser Black-backed Gulls.  One had 
extensive dark streaking on the face, another almost none; the third, 
an intermediate amount of streaking. All had a red spot on the yellow 
lower mandible, obviously yellow legs, and very dark (almost brown) mantles.

We noted also 3 adult Snow Geese with a small group of Canadas at the 
entrance to the park.  Many crows (mostly Fish) in the trees around the park.

Mike Bowen
Montgomery Bird Club, MOS
Bethesda, MD

D.H. Michael Bowen
8609 Ewing Drive
Bethesda, MD  20817
Telephone: (301) 530-5764
e-mail:  dhmbowenATyahooDOTcom

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