[Birdnet] Rare Gulls and More!

[Tim Avery]

Today a gaggle of birders were stomping around the main parking area at 
Farmington Bay hoping for looks at any of a number of rare gulls 
reported in the last week.  Patience was a virtue today as those that 
stuck around got great looks at some great birds.  The 3rd winter 
Western Gull made an appearance just after noon, at one point it was 
just 80 feet away in great lighting for all that were present to see.  
Two more times it made passes in flight less than 25 feet away.

Not to be outdone about a half an hour later an adult Glaucous Gull 
passed overhead and Tony Jones picked up on it alerting everyone to the 
"ghost" gliding overhead.  Completely white from underneath against the 
blue sky it was surely a sight to see!

Keeping us busy while we waited for these great gulls, were 3, yes count 
em' 3 Thayer's Gulls, including 2 adult birds and 1 very cooperative 1st 
winter bird.   There were between 30 - 40 Gulls feeding most of the time 
in the canal, so this was quite a good number of Thayer's.
The birds provided excellent looks and nice comparison's with nearby 
Herring and California Gulls.

Unfortunately no Iceland-type Gulls, or Glaucous-winged Gulls stopped in 
for a bite to eat.

Also of note, were a few migrants on the move.  Although not rare, we 
heard Sandhill Cranes on several occasions ans saw 2 birds.  At least 2 
flocks of Pelicans past overhead during the 4 hour vigil, and numerous 
(3 - 4 flocks numbering 100-150 in all) American Avocet already sporting 
their breeding colors passed here and there throughout the day.

Jack Binch, Tony Jones, Dave Slager, Geoff Hardies, Bob Huntington, 
Steve Coleman, and Donna Thorum were among birders present during the 
day.  Kris Purdy leading a group also arrived just as the Western Gull 
did (do I smell conspiracy?) and was able to show the group the 
fantastic bird.  There were lots of other people in and out so if I 
forgot anyone sorry.

Mr. Slager and myself headed up to Willard Bay to take a look around.  
We lucked out seeing both the Harris's Sparrow and a White-throated at 
the feeder mentioned in previous posts.  The slate-colored form with the 
gray back was also hanging around today as well.

And finally Willard Bay was 99% open and had numerous Pelican's and 
Cormorants on the water.  Bring on the spring migration!

Here are my latest pictures (all the above mentioned birds!), in an all 
new gallery format with a sweet viewing program!

http://www.timaverybirding.com/photos/0303.html

Good Birding

Tim
tanager at timaverybirding.com
http://www.timaverybirding.com