I spent the later morning today (Nov. 30) watching the Ross' Gull with
Harry Nehls.

My suggestion for what to do:

take the first exit (if you are coming south from Washington) or the last
exit in Oregon and turn east. About 3/4 mile at the top of the hill
there is a stop light. Turn left into the McNary Dam complex -- there is
a sign on the highway and the formal entrance structures found on such
federal installations. Follow the signs to the visitor center. At the
center, look at the map of the facility. Retrace your path to 3d street
(it is not signed, but once you look at the map it is obvious where it
is). Go west on 3d street 1/2+ mile to the natural area parking area -- you
turn off 3d back toward the River (right). When you park you will be
facing downstream. You can walk down to the river and scope the lounging
gulls downstream. The Ross' Gull rests with the Boneys along the shore
and on a sand bar.

Retrace your path to th eparking area and then head upstream. You can
walk upstream along the bank and riprapping until your path is blocked by
a fence. You can sit on the rocks and watch the gulls feed near the
pipes dumping salmon smolts into the river.

The Ross' Gull seems to fly between the two locations.

Dale Goble
Moscow, Idaho