Hi All,
 
Biking back from work today, I swung by the McMillan Reservoir.  While I consider it virtually my own personal back yard pond, I hadn't birded it in days as I was more dedicated to the Warbler action at Rock Creek Park early in the week, and the Potomac during the storm.  
 
At first, nothing interesting was around - just a spotted Sandpiper, some Laughing Gulls, and Ring-billed Gulls.  Then I noticed a dark backed gull.  The bird was perched on the floating barriers on the far east side of reservoir and sleeping.  Only minutes from home, I came back with my scope and camera.  After taking a bunch of shots, I came home and sorted through them to see if any good field marks could be discerned.  Here are the photos:
 
http://www.flickr.com/photos/27721024@N05/6095100192/
 
http://www.flickr.com/photos/27721024@N05/6094536985/
 
After checking out the photos it was clear the bird could only be a Lesser Black-backed Gull. Pretty early for DC!  What I really liked about this was the chance to really study the bird (especially with the photos) vs. the normal fly-by views I have had had in the past.
 
It's amazing what birds sneak into the City when they think no one is looking :)
 
Good Birding!
 
Jason Berry
Washington, DC

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