|> From: Skip_Russell at intersolv.com
|> Subject: Slaty-backed Gull in breeding plumage
|>
|>
|> I just got word that the SLATY-BACKED GULL was apparently refound
|> yesterday at the mouth of the Puyallup River in Tacoma. The bird was
|> seen on a sand bar in the middle of the river at low tide by Patrick
|> Sullivan, just after 2 pm. His description sounded good for a breeding
|> plumage Slaty-backed. The sand bar is across from 'Sealand' (perhaps a
|> charter fishing outfit?).

SeaLand is a big container cargo terminal on the N side of the river.
The sandbar is closer to the S side. You'll be looking SW, so mornings are
best. I don't know if there is access on the S side of the river.
(Apparently you haven't been there yet, Skip, or maybe you saw the gull
rightaway at the wetlands. I have been there, and spent the weekend there,
so I know the area, although I never saw the gull.)

|> As the tide came in, the bird moved out into
|> the sound, so low tide may be the best time to look for it. This area is
|> only a couple of miles from the Gog-le-hi-te mitigated wetlands where a
|> Slaty-backed Gull was watched during much of the winter.

Less than a mile, I would say. And the gull has been reported there (on
the river) this winter.

Daan Sandee sandee at think.com
Thinking Machines Corporation
100 View St, Suite 101
Mountain View, CA 94041 (415) 254-5757